Dengue Fever Reported In Hillsborough County: What You Need To Know

The recent confirmation of a locally-acquired dengue fever case in Hillsborough County has sparked concern among residents and public health officials. This situation highlights the importance of awareness, prevention, and prompt action when dealing with mosquito-borne illnesses. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) works diligently alongside Hillsborough County Mosquito Control to conduct surveillance and implement prevention measures, such as aerial spraying, to reduce the risk of further infections.

Dengue fever, often associated with tropical and subtropical regions, has now made its presence known locally, emphasizing the need for the community to stay informed. It is critical to understand what dengue fever is, how it spreads, and what can be done to protect yourself.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for spreading other viruses like Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Dengue fever is prevalent in over 100 countries, with approximately 400 million infections reported worldwide each year. The virus has four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), meaning that an individual can contract the virus up to four times, each time from a different serotype.

However, subsequent infections tend to be more severe, increasing the risk of developing severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include:

• High fever: Sudden onset of a fever that can reach up to 104°F (40°C).
• Severe headache: Often accompanied by pain behind the eyes.
• Joint and muscle pain: Severe pain, sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever.”
• Nausea and vomiting: A common symptom that can lead to dehydration.
• Rash: A rash that can appear a few days after the fever begins.
• Mild bleeding: This can include nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.

In severe cases, the symptoms can escalate to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which includes:

• Severe abdominal pain: Persistent and intense.
• Persistent vomiting: Often with blood.
• Rapid breathing: An indication of fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• Bleeding gums and nose: Increased risk of bleeding.
• Fatigue and restlessness: Signs of shock.
• Blood in vomit or stool: A severe symptom indicating internal bleeding.

If left untreated, severe dengue can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and potentially death. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any severe symptoms develop, as prompt treatment can be lifesaving.

How Dengue Fever Spreads

Dengue fever primarily spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes are notorious for their preference for biting during the daytime, with peak periods during early morning and late afternoon. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already carrying the dengue virus. After an incubation period of 8-12 days, the mosquito can then transmit the virus to other individuals it bites.

While dengue fever is most common in tropical and subtropical climates, recent years have seen the spread of the virus to more temperate regions, including parts of the United States. The warm and humid climate in Florida provides an ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive year-round, increasing the risk of dengue transmission and although it is still quite rare

How Dengue Fever is Treated

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, and care is generally supportive. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications:

• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can be severe due to high fever, vomiting, and sweating.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce fever and relieve pain. It’s important to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Monitoring: Patients with dengue fever should be monitored for signs of worsening illness, particularly during the critical phase, which occurs when the fever subsides. This is when the risk of severe dengue and complications like shock or bleeding increases

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications.

Mosquito Bite Prevention: Drain and Cover

Preventing mosquito bites is a critical step in reducing the risk of dengue fever. The DOH-Hillsborough recommends the “Drain and Cover” approach to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and prevent them from breeding in your environment.

Drain

The first step in preventing mosquito bites is to eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes require water to lay their eggs; even small amounts of standing water can become a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquitoes. To reduce mosquito populations:

• Drain water from outdoor containers such as garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, toys, and flower pots. Even small amounts of water can become breeding sites.
• Discard items that are no longer in use and can collect water, such as old tires, bottles, and cans.
• Clean birdbaths and pet water bowls -These can quickly become mosquito breeding grounds if not maintained and should be cleaned twice a week.
• Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not collect water. Any accumulation of water can become a mosquito breeding site.
• Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated—empty plastic pools when not in use.
• Check rain gutters to ensure they are not clogged, as standing water in gutters is a common breeding ground.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, decreasing the likelihood of mosquito bites and the spread of dengue fever.

Cover

In addition to draining standing water, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is essential, especially during peak mosquito activity times. Here are some practical steps to take:

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These repellents are effective in preventing mosquito bites.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that repels mosquitoes. You can purchase pre-treated clothing or treat your clothing yourself. However, permethrin should never be applied directly to the skin.
• Use mosquito nets to protect infants and young children from mosquito bites, especially during sleep.
• Repair and maintain window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Ensure that doors and windows remain closed or are properly screened.

Community Awareness and Local Prevention

As dengue fever has now been reported locally in Hillsborough County, it’s crucial for residents to stay vigilant and proactive in preventing mosquito bites and reducing the risk of infection. Here are some key prevention tips and ways you can contribute to community safety:

Stay Informed

Keep yourself and your family informed about the latest updates on dengue fever in the area. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County regularly provides updates and guidance on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Protect Your Home

• Screen Maintenance: Ensure all windows and doors in your home have intact screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin when spending time outdoors.
• Indoor Safety: Use air conditioning when possible, as it helps keep mosquitoes out of the living space.

Engage with Your Community

• Report Standing Water: If you notice areas in your neighborhood with standing water, report them to local authorities. Standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Participate in Community Clean-Up: Join or organize local efforts to clean up areas where mosquitoes may breed, such as parks, vacant lots, or other public spaces.

Support Local Mosquito Control Efforts

• Follow Spraying Schedules: Be aware of when your area is scheduled for mosquito control spraying and follow any guidelines provided by local health authorities.
• Cooperate with Health Officials: If health officials visit your area for mosquito control activities or inspections, cooperate fully to ensure the effectiveness of these measures.

By staying informed, protecting your home, and engaging with your community, you can play a vital role in reducing the spread of dengue fever in Hillsborough County. Every small action contributes to the larger effort of keeping our community safe and healthy.

TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track: Your Partner in Health

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we do treat cases of dengue fever, which involves sending out lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. If the test is positive and the case is mild, we provide supportive care and monitor the patient closely. However, if the symptoms are severe, patients will be referred to an emergency room for more intensive treatment, as severe cases may require hospitalization and advanced medical care.

We are committed to keeping our community informed and providing the necessary care for all health concerns. If you or a loved one suspect you might have dengue fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. With over 19 locations throughout the Greater Tampa Area, each is equipped with the resources to provide you with quality care. We’re open 7 days a week between 8 am and 8 pm to ensure you can access the care you need at your convenience.

For those in need of urgent care assistance, our On My Way System allows patients to fill out forms electronically, ensuring an expedited check-in process upon arrival. This system is designed to make your urgent care experience as smooth and efficient as possible, reducing wait times and helping you get the care you need without unnecessary delays.