6 people test positive for dengue fever in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is under a mosquito-borne illness alert after six cases of locally-acquired human cases of dengue fever were reported. 

According to the Florida Department of Health, dengue fever can be a painful, debilitating disease, but is rarely deadly. 

The disease is usually spread by mosquitoes. 

Symptoms usually appear 3–14 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. 

Dengue fever symptoms

  • Sudden onset of fever
  • Severe headache
  • Eye pain
  • Muscle and joint pain (giving the disease the nickname "breakbone fever")
  • Bleeding
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may also be present in some cases.

Dengue fever symptoms usually last 4–7 days, according to the DOH. 

It is often diagnosed incorrectly because the symptoms are similar to influenza and other viruses.

Health officials say while there is no treatment for dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever, quickly recognizing and managing its symptoms and complications can prevent deaths. 

To avoid mosquito bites, the DOH recommends:

  • Draining water from garbage cans, housegutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discarding old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that aren't being used.
  • Emptying and cleaning birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protecting boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
  • Maintaining the water balance (poolchemistry) of swimming pools.Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
  • Wearing protective clothing such as shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you need to be outside when mosquitoes are active.
  • Using a mosquito repellant with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535

The county health department and Hillsborough County Mosquito Control are working together on surveillance and prevention efforts by conducting aerial spraying.

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