ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Health officials confirmed two additional cases of locally acquired dengue in Orange County, bringing the total to five, according to an updated alert issued Monday.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County said it is working with Orange County Mosquito Control to monitor affected communities and expand prevention efforts, including planned aerial spraying to reduce mosquito populations.
The announcement did not identify the affected neighborhoods or provide a spraying schedule.
Separately, University of Florida researchers recently found mosquitoes capable of spreading dengue were relatively common in residential yards in Indian River County. Researchers emphasized that finding the species did not establish that the mosquitoes carried the virus or that dengue was circulating there. The study highlighted the importance of preventing bites during everyday activities such as gardening and walking dogs.
Symptoms to watch for
Dengue spreads primarily through bites from infected mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, severe muscle aches, joint pain and a rash, according to the health department.
Residents experiencing symptoms can call DOH-Orange at 407-858-1420. The CDC also advises people who develop fever or dengue symptoms to contact a health care provider.
Preventing mosquito bites
Health officials recommend residents:
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent according to its label
- Repair damaged screens on windows, doors, porches and patios
- Drain standing water from buckets, tires, pool covers, toys, flowerpots and other containers
Additional guidance is available on the CDC’s dengue prevention page.
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