Mosquito-borne illness found in Bay Area after Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health (FDH) in Hillsborough County has now confirmed a fourth human case of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease. As a result, officials are conducting aerial spraying to combat the spread.

Pockets of stagnant water left by hurricanes Milton and Helen can still be found everywhere Tampa Bay and that’s a big concern for health officials, as it can create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Several counties, including Hillsborough and polk, They are now reporting an increase in the mosquito population after both storms.

“There’s still standing water everywhere. Mosquitoes breed and then someone (that’s the case we’re dealing with now) has brought dengue from another country,” said Dr. John Sinnott, professor of infectious diseases at the USF.

As Sinnott explains, once the disease appears, stagnant water only helps it spread.

“The mosquitoes that spread dengue only have a range of about 200 meters, so they will stay close to the sick person,” Sinnott said. “These mosquitoes don’t fly 2 or 3 miles. They’re located within a couple of football fields.”

He continued, “They usually stay in one place.”

On October 25, FDH in Hillsborough County confirmed a fourth human case of dengue. According to the FDH, 50 cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported in Florida. To combat the spread, Polk and Hillsborough counties have been conducting aerial spraying.

“BTI is the agent used. It is a derivative of kerosene. It has no side effects for humans at all,” Sinnott said. “You could spray it all over your body. It’s like putting on a little tanning oil or something.”

To stay safe, Sinnott says that when people are remodeling their hurricane-damaged homes, the first thing they should do is install mosquito nets, always use insect repellent, and throw away any standing water, such as birdbaths, buckets, or roof gutters. , at least. once a week.

If infected, people should see their doctor. Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, and nausea. The disease is rarely fatal.

“Usually the first thing you feel is a headache. Then your joints start to hurt, starting with your weight-bearing joints, your knees and your hips,” Sinnott said. “I’ve seen patients with this and their pain is notable.”

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