Dengue cases rise in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Health officials in Central Florida are stepping up efforts to combat dengue fever after two additional locally transmitted cases were confirmed in Orange County, bringing the county’s total to five.

The Florida Department of Health announced the new cases on Monday, October 12, prompting local authorities to prepare aerial mosquito spraying in affected communities.

Both newly confirmed infections were reported in the Apopka area, where previous cases had also been identified. Other infections have been reported in Pine Hills.

Aerial Spraying Planned in Two Communities

Orange County Mosquito Control announced plans to conduct aerial spraying in Apopka and Pine Hills over the next two to three weeks.

The operation will target Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species primarily responsible for spreading dengue.

Officials say residents will receive at least 48 hours’ notice before spraying begins. Notifications will be distributed through county social media accounts, official websites and the OC Alert emergency notification system.

The county expects the treatments to significantly reduce mosquito populations in targeted areas.

Florida Faces a Wider Dengue Outbreak

The new infections come amid a broader dengue outbreak across Florida.

According to statewide figures reported October 12, Florida had recorded 296 dengue cases, including 259 in Hillsborough County, home to Tampa.

The outbreak has also been linked to the death of an 80-year-old Tampa woman, highlighting the potentially serious consequences of the disease.

What Are the Symptoms?

Dengue is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It does not spread directly from one person to another.

Symptoms can include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rashes.

In severe cases, dengue can cause dangerous bleeding and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Symptoms generally develop within 15 days of an infected mosquito bite.

Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions

Health authorities are encouraging Florida residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, including water collected in flowerpots, buckets, discarded tires and children’s toys.

Residents are also advised to wear protective clothing, use EPA-registered mosquito repellents and repair damaged window and door screens.

Orange County officials continue monitoring mosquito activity and investigating possible transmission in affected neighborhoods.

As of Tuesday morning, October 13, the latest official Orange County update confirms five locally acquired cases. No additional cases have been announced in that update.

Residents experiencing symptoms can contact the Florida Department of Health in Orange County at 407-858-1420.