Log In | Become a Member

Florida Health Officials Warn of Mosquito-Borne Illness

August 17, 2010 -- Mosquito-borne illnesses have caught the attention of Florida health officials. At the top of the list is a recent outbreak of dengue fever. It hasn't been seen in the state since the late 1930's.

Doctor Carina Blackmore is with the state Department of Health. She says the presence of dengue fever means people should be cautious, but it isn’t a complete surprise so there’s no cause for alarm.

 “We used to have dengue in Florida, we had malaria here in 2003 - that’s another disease that used to be present in our state many years ago and then went away when housing improved and mosquito-control improved in our state,” says Blackmore. “So, this is unusual but not unexpected.”

The Department of Health also says West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been found in 43 counties across the state in both animals and humans. Both of those diseases are fairly common in Florida.

Dengue fever is different, though, because the mosquito that carries it likes to bite humans more than other animals. So, Blackmore advises taking extra precautions.

“One is to dress up in clothing that mosquito bites [don’t penetrate],” says Blackmore. “The second is to use repellants. And drainage is another thing that is very important, especially for mosquitoes that breed around the home.”

Blackmore says that means getting rid of standing water near the home, if possible.

 

All active news articles