Dengue Fever Confirmed in Tampa Bay Region
From ticks to mosquitoes - humans can be infected with diseases and illnesses from all kinds of insects and bugs. Though it's not the most fun part of being outside, it is something everyone has to deal with if they ever want to get fresh air. One that is on the rise in the Tampa Bay region of Florida is Dengue Fever. Here is what you need to know about the illness and why this part of Florida is seeing such an uptick in cases of this rare disease.
Dengue Fever and the United States
Though cases of Dengue Fever are rare in the continental United States, it happens. The species of mosquitoes that can carry this disease are found in the U.S. in many different areas, so the chances are never zero. The states that have reported cases in the past are Hawaii, Florida and Texas, with California and Arizona more recently having initial cases.
Most of the cases of Dengue Fever are from people who have recently traveled internationally, were infected elsewhere and then brought the disease back home. Dengue is now considered common in six territories in the United States and surrounding associated states.
What Dengue Fever Is
Dengue Fever is a disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and is mostly found in subtropical and tropical places. Humans are infected when they are bitten by the Aedes species of mosquito. The mosquito initially becomes a carrier of the disease when it bites a human that has it. A mosquito bites an infected person, then goes and bites a person who isn't infected, which in turn infects them. It is as simple and easy as that, which is why mosquitoes, and their bites need to be taken so seriously.
Dengue Fever initially presents with flu-like symptoms that can last anywhere between 2 to 7 days after the 4 to 10-day incubation period once someone has been infected. While there is no cure for Dengue Fever, most people recover in a week or two while only having mild symptoms, with some people never developing symptoms. That doesn't mean it can't be dangerous, because it can be fatal to certain groups of people, especially if you are infected a second time.
How Dengue is Becoming a Problem
With the increased travel into and out of Florida for national and international travel, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that the Sunshine State is seeing an increase in cases of the illness. The state reported that out of the over 70 cases reported across eight counties, over 45 of them were out of Miami-Dade, with Hillsborough County seeing five cases by December of 2024. When a mosquito that is infected with Dengue Fever bites a human, it tends to stay around that human within a 200-yard radius, so it makes sense why a specific area is seeing an increase in cases.
The main culprit for the uptick in cases is due to the effects of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helen being back-to-back. The flooding and standing water everywhere after these hurricanes left endless breeding grounds available for mosquitoes, which increased their population at a rapid pace. Though the county did pump floodwater out while simultaneously spraying the area from above, not every single spot could possibly be taken care of.
If You Think You Have Dengue Fever
Though Dengue fever presents as the flu initially, if you have additional symptoms like a rash at the bite site or an additional rash that looks a bit like the measles, seek medical attention. While there isn't a cure for this disease, severe cases will require medical attention immediately. Even though mild cases just need fluids and rest, you should report the case to the local agencies so they can be aware of where the disease is.
What Residents Should Do
If you are ever in an area that has a hurricane, flooding, tropical storm or any weather where there is water buildup or added moisture in the air, you can do things to help yourself and the community reduce the possibility of a blown-up mosquito population afterward.
- Dump any standing water, checking your entire yard
- Clear away any debris left over from the storm
- Check on pet bowls and bird baths left outside
- Cover any outdoor equipment, tools, furniture or other items that could collect water
- Wear proper long-sleeved clothing when outside, especially after wet weather
- Wear bug spray with DEET in it when going outside
- Check doors and windows for cracks or holes
- Go over all screens, looking for holes or tears
- Call in the professionals, like your local MosquitoNix®
Water is the biggest draw for mosquitoes to your yard, so take your time going over anywhere it could pool. The smallest amount of just a few teaspoons could be enough for mosquitoes to breed, so look everywhere. If you have a birdbath or leave pet bowls outside, clean them regularly and replace them with fresh water.
Don't forget about things like your trash or recycling can, and dump those to make sure there isn't water sitting in them. Clean out your gutters, tip over flowerpots and even turn over your sprinkler to get every last drop of water dumped.
To protect yourself when you go outside, whether you had a hurricane recently or not, wear long clothing and DEET, especially if you are going for a walk in the woods or any area near water.
You don't really think about what diseases and illnesses bugs and insects can carry until you start to feel that burning, itchy yearning to scratch and notice that little red bump. But if you live in or have plans to travel to Florida's Tampa Bay area, be cautious about your exposed skin while taking in the sun. While Dengue Fever isn't the only disease a mosquito could transmit, it's one of the more rare ones that is currently on the rise in the Tampa Bay area.
For ongoing protection, consider installing a mosquito misting system, and for quick relief from localized infestations, fogging treatments can be highly effective. These professional solutions, offered by MosquitoNix® can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your property.
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