Mosquito-borne disease found in Bay Area after Hurricane Milton

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

Pockets of standing water left behind by hurricanes Milton And Helene can still be found everywhere Tampa Bay and that is a major concern for health officials because it can create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Multiple counties, including Hillsborough and Polk, are now reporting a sharp increase in mosquito populations after both storms.

“There’s still standing water everywhere. The mosquitoes are breeding, and then someone – with that case we’re dealing with now – someone brought dengue from another country,” said USF Infectious Diseases professor Dr. John Sinnott.

As Sinnott explains, once the disease is there, standing water only causes the disease to spread.

“The mosquitoes that spread dengue have a range of only about 200 meters, so they stay close to the sick person,” Sinnott said. “These mosquitoes don’t fly further than two to five kilometers. They are within a few football fields.”

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

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

“BTI is the drug that is used. It is a derivative in a type of kerosene. It has no side effects for humans at all,” Sinnott said. ‘You could have your whole body sprayed with it. It’s like having a little bit of suntan lotion on or something.”

To stay as safe as possible, Sinnott says that when people are remodeling their hurricane-damaged home, the first thing they should do is install screens, always use insect repellent and get rid of any standing water such as birdbaths, buckets or gutters. once a week.

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

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

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: