MIAMI – The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for Miami-Dade County. The first locally acquired Dengue Fever case in 2013 has been confirmed in an 18-year-old male.
The individual was diagnosed with Dengue Fever based on symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests. The individual fully recovered from this illness.
Dengue Fever is a viral disease transmitted by a type of mosquito common to the southeastern United States and the tropics. It is not spread from person to person.
The symptoms of Dengue Fever include, fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone pain, rash, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. There is no specific medication or vaccine for Dengue Fever. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Dengue Fever, please call your healthcare provider to see if you need to be seen.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate measures to guard against these diseases.
These include:
DRAIN standing water:
• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and
other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER your skin with:
• CLOTHING - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
COVER doors and windows with screens:
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.