The Florida Department of Health (DOH) warned citizens about protecting themselves from mosquitoes in a press release Tuesday. The warning is a response to a confirmed case of imported dengue fever in Marion County.
The patient contracted dengue fever while traveling abroad.
Dr. Nathan Grossman, director of the Marion County Health Department requested the Marion County Board of County Commissioners conduct a mosquito spray in the area south of Ocala after receiving confirmation of a case of dengue fever.
The mosquito spraying is a precautionary measure. Dr. Grossman says the risk of transmission of this potentially lethal virus is very low, however steps to reduce transmission still need to be implemented.
Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.
Dengue fever of multiple types is found in most countries of the tropics and subtropics particularly during and after rainy season.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate 100 million cases annually, this includes 100-200 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mostly in people that have traveled abroad.
Jacksonville: Eight cases of WNV in past two weeks
There are four types of dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4.
People get the dengue virus from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is not contagious from person to person.
There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHS) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
The symptoms of classic dengue usually start within a week after being infected. They include very high fever, up to 105°F, severe headache, pain behind the eye, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting and a rash.
Symptoms of DHF include all the symptoms of classic dengue plus severe damage to the blood vessels. Bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin are common. This form of dengue can be fatal.
Symptoms of DSS include all of the above symptoms plus; fluid leaking outside of blood vessels, massive bleeding and shock. This form of the disease usually happens in children experiencing their second infection.
Two-third of all fatalities occurs among children.
There is no treatment for dengue, just treat the symptoms. Persons who think they have dengue should use analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician.
There is not a vaccine for dengue fever.
UPDATE: Dengue fever exploding in the Bahamas
Prevention of dengue fever is best accomplished by eliminating mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of standing water. The Marion County Health Department recommends:
DRAIN standing water:
• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other
containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, 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 or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and ensure they are appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER your skin with:
• CLOTHING - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents
according to the label. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and
IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
COVER doors and windows with screens:
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
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