Palm Beach County has confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever, prompting mosquito control crews to ramp up surveillance and treatment efforts across the area.
Mosquito Control Efforts
For Palm Beach County Mosquito Control, preparing for cases like this is a year-round effort, and the team is working closely with the Florida Department of Health. Steven Fazekas of Palm Beach County Mosquito Control said that crews are increasing surveillance across different parts of the county, setting traps, and treating areas as needed.
Experts say dengue fever is more commonly seen in other parts of the world, but most U.S. cases occur in the Southeast. Symptoms include high fevers, severe headaches, muscle aches, and rashes. Severe cases, while rare, can be deadly.
Fazekas noted that dengue fever is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is common in South Florida. Unlike other mosquito species, Aedes aegypti can be active during the daytime and breeds quickly in standing water.
To reduce the risk of mosquitoes around homes, residents are advised to dump standing water from items like buckets, flower pots, and children’s toys, as well as use bug spray and wear protective clothing.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
