Manatee County is working with the Florida Department of Health and Manatee County Mosquito Control District to monitor mosquito activity and coordinate prevention efforts as health officials continue tracking dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses across Florida.
The effort comes amid increased attention to dengue in the state. The Florida Department of Health reported 59 locally acquired dengue infections in Hillsborough County as of early September. More recently, health officials reported additional locally acquired cases in Orange County and confirmed a locally acquired case in Polk County on Sept. 24.
No current Florida Department of Health notice located by Pulse of Manatee indicates a locally acquired dengue case in Manatee County.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and can also be spread by Aedes albopictus. Both mosquito species are present in Florida.
Florida typically reports dengue cases associated with people who have traveled to areas where the virus circulates, including parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Asia. However, infected travelers can potentially reintroduce the virus into Florida when they are bitten by local mosquitoes, which can then transmit the virus to other people.
Symptoms generally develop three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and can include sudden fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, bleeding. Most illnesses last about four to seven days, although a small number of infections can develop into more severe disease.
The Florida Department of Health continues statewide surveillance for dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses. In Manatee County, the health department’s epidemiology program investigates and tracks reports of vector-borne and other communicable diseases.
Manatee County Mosquito Control has increased preventive measures aimed at reducing mosquito populations and minimizing the potential for transmission, while county officials continue coordinating with local and state health partners.
Residents can help by eliminating standing water around their homes. Buckets, toys, kiddie pools, birdbaths, pet dishes, coolers, tires and other containers that collect water can become mosquito breeding sites. Even small amounts of standing water can support mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue.
Residents are also encouraged to use insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, wear long sleeves and pants when practical and make sure window and door screens are in good repair.
Additional information about dengue, symptoms and prevention is available through the Florida Department of Health dengue information page.