PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County health officials announced two locally acquired dengue fever cases Wednesday and are warning residents to try to avoid mosquitoes.
The mosquito-borne disease can be painful and debilitating with symptoms of fever, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain and bleeding, according to the Florida Department of Health. While there is no specific treatment for dengue, the World Health Organization says symptoms are usually treated with pain medicine.
Officials have been reporting a rise in cases with Florida having the most in the United States. There have been 386 reported cases in the state, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pasco has had six reported cases, while Hillsborough County has reported 25 and Polk County with eight.
To avoid dengue and help control the mosquito population in general, residents should drain water in areas like kiddie pools or old tires, cover with clothing and use insect repellents.
The Pasco County Mosquito Control District sent out a news release sharing these tips:
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected
- Discard old tires, drunks, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that aren't being used
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once per week
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use