Three Florida counties, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas, have declared states of emergency as dengue fever spreads, with a total of 190 locally acquired cases confirmed across six counties as of September 19th, the majority concentrated in Hillsborough County with 170 cases. This mosquito-borne viral illness, which can cause severe fever, aches, nausea, and in rare instances, life-threatening complications, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes active during the day and thriving in Florida’s warm, humid climate. The emergency declarations empower county officials to expedite mosquito control operations, facilitate emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts, and seek state or federal assistance, while the Florida Mosquito Control Association is intensifying aerial and ground treatments and urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, as the dengue-transmitting mosquito breeds in containers like buckets, planters, and tires. Experts advise wearing long sleeves, light colors, and closed-toed shoes when outdoors, and though many dengue infections are asymptomatic or mild, severe dengue symptoms, including severe stomach pain, vomiting, unusual bleeding, and difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention.
Adapted from: Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
