CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Locally acquired cases of dengue fever are being reported in parts of the Tampa Bay region, putting another mosquito-borne illness on the radar for residents of Florida’s Nature Coast.
As of mid-August, the Florida Department of Health reported eight confirmed locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County and two in Pinellas County. Both counties have been placed under mosquito-borne illness alerts.
At this time, Citrus County has not been identified by the Florida Department of Health as having a confirmed locally acquired dengue case, based on the latest information reviewed by Citrus County Independence.
That distinction is important. There is no reason for panic in Citrus County, but the activity elsewhere in the Tampa Bay region gives residents a good reason to pay attention and take basic mosquito precautions.
What Is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Unlike illnesses such as the flu, dengue generally does not spread directly from one person to another. A mosquito can become infected after biting a person carrying the virus and later transmit the virus when it bites someone else.
The mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue are found in Florida.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle, joint or bone pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
Many infections are mild, but dengue can occasionally develop into a serious illness requiring medical treatment.
Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms, particularly after significant mosquito exposure or recent travel, should contact a healthcare provider.
Why Citrus County Should Pay Attention
Florida’s heat, humidity and frequent summer rainfall provide excellent breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
The mosquitoes associated with dengue can reproduce in surprisingly small amounts of standing water around homes. Buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, clogged gutters, children’s toys, discarded containers and other objects that collect rainwater can become breeding locations.
Citrus County Mosquito Control has long emphasized controlling mosquitoes during their larval stage — before they become flying, biting adults.
Residents can help by routinely walking around their property and dumping standing water.
Drain and Cover
Florida health officials recommend residents Drain and Cover.
Drain standing water: Empty containers around the home that collect rainwater and keep gutters, pool covers and similar areas from holding stagnant water.
Cover your skin: When mosquitoes are active, wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when practical.
Use mosquito repellent: Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent according to its label directions.
Protect the home: Repair damaged window and door screens and keep mosquitoes from entering the house.
Awareness — Not Alarm
The appearance of locally transmitted dengue in nearby Florida counties does not mean Citrus County is experiencing an outbreak.
It does mean residents should be aware.
Mosquito-borne illnesses are nothing new to Florida, and Citrus County has its own dedicated mosquito control district actively working to reduce mosquito populations and the diseases they can potentially carry.
Simple actions around our homes can help those efforts.
Dump the bucket. Empty the flowerpot. Check the gutters. Use repellent when mosquitoes are heavy.
There is no need for fear — just another good reason for Citrus County residents to keep an eye on their own backyard.
Citrus County Independence will continue monitoring information from the Florida Department of Health and Citrus County Mosquito Control District and will update this story if a locally acquired dengue case is confirmed in Citrus County.