The Florida Department of Health in Polk County reported its first case of dengue fever on Thursday.
Health officials said the case was locally acquired.
The health department and Polk County Mosquito Control said they are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts through inspections, treatment, and outreach.
To learn more about preventing mosquito bites, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website.
A locally acquired case means the individual caught the virus directly from a local mosquito bite within Polk County, rather than traveling outside the area to a region where dengue is endemic.
Dengue is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (and to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus), which bite during the day and thrive around residential areas.
Aedes aegypti mosquito structure. Source: ResearchGate
Key Action Steps for Residents (“Drain and Cover”)
To prevent further transmission, public health officials emphasize two primary strategies:
1. Drain Standing Water
- Around the yard: Empty flowerpots, birdbaths, pet water dishes, buckets, and discarded tires at least once or twice a week.
- Tarps & covers: Keep boat, car, or pool covers drained so water doesn’t pool on top.
- Gutters: Clear roof gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure proper drainage.
2. Cover Skin & Openings
- Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) when outdoors.
- Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially if outdoors during peak daylight biting hours.
- Home Security: Check window and door screens to make sure there are no holes allowing mosquitoes indoors.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache or pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle aches (often called “breakbone fever”)
- Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleed) or easy bruising
- Rash
If you or someone in your household experiences these symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes, consult a healthcare professional.