Dengue Fever Case Detected in Hillsborough County: Health Officials Urge Mosquito Control

Dengue Fever Case and Local Acquisition

• ⚠️ Hillsborough County has detected its first case of dengue fever this year, with the virus acquired locally from a mosquito bite.
• 💡 Health officials emphasize that this local acquisition means other mosquitoes in the area may also be carrying the virus.

Mosquito Breeding and Management Efforts

• 🔬 The county's mosquito management lab is actively testing mosquito populations for the virus.
• 🎯 Health officials are urging residents to clear out any standing water around their homes, as even a bottle cap's worth can be a breeding ground.
• 🚀 Mosquito management teams will conduct targeted spraying for three to four nights in affected areas and canvas on foot to find breeding grounds.

Dengue Fever Symptoms and Risks

• 🤒 Dengue fever symptoms often mimic a painful flu, with severe muscle aches that can incapacitate individuals.
• 🩸 In rare cases, dengue can lead to serious complications like dengue shock syndrome and hemorrhagic fever, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure and spontaneous bleeding.

Prevention Recommendations

• 💧 Residents are advised to dump out standing water from bird baths, animal bowls, and other containers at least once or twice a week.
• ✅ Health officials reassure the public that the spraying treatments are normal and safe, even if they have a noticeable smell.