Two dengue cases reported in Orange County
The Orange County Mosquito Control Team is “focusing its efforts on eliminating species of mosquitoes known to transmit dengue fever” following the report of two cases of dengue fever in Orange County. The two cases were locally transmitted, according to the county. “Both daytime and overnight teams are responding to the situation,” Steve Harrison, manager of the Orange County Mosquito Control Team, said in a news release. “The teams are implementing control measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent further local transmission of the dengue virus.” Dengue fever is transmitted by a type of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, Harrison said. This is the first time in several years that the Florida Department of Health has confirmed local transmission of dengue fever in Orange County, the county said. To date, the state health department has confirmed 24 cases. “The virus is only spread by mosquitoes,” Harrison said. “The only way humans can become infected with dengue fever is through the bite of a mosquito that transmits the virus.” Mosquitoes can only transmit the virus by biting someone infected with the virus. Fortunately, the mosquitoes that primarily carry this virus don’t travel very far and stay close to where you were initially infected. At the direction of the Florida Department of Health, we are targeting control efforts in areas of concern to prevent further spread.” Orange County residents who are experiencing mosquito problems in their homes or communities can call Orange County’s 311 hotline to report the problem and get assistance with mosquito control. Related Article: Puerto Rico Declares Public Health Emergency as Dengue Cases Surge Signs and Symptoms of Dengue From CDC.gov The main symptoms of dengue fever are a high fever and at least two of the following: Severe headache Severe eye pain (behind the eyes) Joint pain Muscle or bone pain Rash Mild bleeding symptoms (e.g., nosebleeds or bleeding gums, petechiae, or easy bruising) Low white blood cell count In general, younger children and those experiencing their first dengue infection have milder symptoms than older children and adults.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Orange County mosquito control teams are “focusing their efforts on eradicating mosquito species” known to transmit dengue fever after two cases of dengue were reported in Orange County.
County officials said both cases were local.
“Both day and night teams are responding to the situation,” Orange County Mosquito Control Manager Steve Harrison said in a news release. “They are implementing control measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent further local transmission of the dengue virus.”
Harrison said dengue fever is transmitted by a type of mosquito called the Aedes aegypti.
The Florida Department of Health announced this is the first time in several years that Orange County has confirmed local transmission of dengue fever. To date, the state health department has confirmed 24 cases.
“This virus is spread only by mosquitoes,” Harrison said. “The only way a human can become infected with dengue fever is by being bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus. Mosquitoes can only transmit the virus by biting an infected person. Fortunately, the mosquitoes that primarily carry this virus don’t fly far; they stay close to where the person originally contracted the virus. At the direction of the Florida Department of Health, we are focusing on areas of concern and taking measures to prevent further transmission.”
Orange County residents experiencing mosquito problems in their homes or communities can call Orange County’s 311 hotline to report the problem and get help with mosquito control.
RELATED: Puerto Rico declares public health emergency after surge in dengue cases
Dengue signs and symptoms
From CDC.gov
The main symptoms of dengue fever are a high fever and at least two of the following:
Severe headache, severe eye pain (behind the eyes), joint pain, muscle pain, bone pain, rash, mild bleeding symptoms (e.g. bleeding from the nose or gums, petechiae, easy bruising), low white blood cell count
Generally, younger children and those experiencing dengue for the first time experience milder symptoms than older children and adults.