Orange County Mosquito Control is stepping up targeted spraying after Florida health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue, with crews focusing on mosquito clusters in the affected communities.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County said on September 2 that it was working with the county’s mosquito-control division to expand surveillance and prevention measures around the area linked to the case.
Teams are concentrating on the mosquito species known to transmit dengue, while increasing coverage and applying targeted treatments intended to reduce mosquito numbers.
Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control, said dengue is spread only through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected after biting a person carrying the virus, he said.
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, both of which are found in Florida. Symptoms can include a sudden fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
Health officials are urging residents to use insect repellent, remove standing water from around their homes and keep doors and windows closed where possible.
Orange County officials said the chemicals used in mosquito-control operations are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency and are considered safe for people and animals when used as directed. Residents can report mosquito problems through the county’s 311 service or by calling 407-836-3111.
