Eight new cases of dengue fever reported, bringing total to 10 this year

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has received laboratory confirmation of eight additional cases of Dengue fever in the Key Largo area. All indications are that these infections were locally acquired. These individuals have received medical
treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.

DOH-Monroe and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District are working closely to continue
surveillance and prevention efforts. Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is assisting with
these investigations and has intensified its mosquito control activities in the Key Largo (Upper Keys Area).

This is the tenth confirmed case of Dengue this year in Monroe County. Last week, the health department confirmed the second case in the Key Largo area. DOH-Monroe and the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection are currently conducting epidemiological studies to determine the origin and extent of these infections. Dengue can present as a severe flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and pain, fever and sometimes a rash.

Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of Dengue will appear within 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The emergence of these Dengue cases reinforces the importance for the public to prevent
insect bites and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure. These measures include
intact windows and screens and the use of air conditioning, keeping the area around your
residence free from containers that collect water, wearing protective clothing and the
appropriate use of insect repellents.

For more information, visit www.floridahealth.gov/dengue or www.keysmosquito.org. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have additional questions, please call DOH-Monroe at 305-293-7500 and choose option 3.

Florida Keys Mosquito Control District mobilized to combat Dengue Fever cases 

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) has activated its proven mosquito-borne disease RESPONSE plan to address the recently confirmed cases of Dengue Fever in Key Largo, the organization announced Friday.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County announced that at least eight additional people have recently tested positive for Dengue Fever, which is spread by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito.

As soon as FKMCD is notified by the Health Department of a suspected case for any mosquito-borne disease, FKMCD springs into immediate action utilizing the following control methods:

  • Door-to-door inspection and treatment of every residence and business in a three-block radius from the suspected case location and/or other outdoor areas visited.
  • Any adult and/or larval mosquitoes found are treated on the spot.
  • Truck and/or aerial adulticide treatments are conducted throughout the areas of concern to reduce the mosquito population.
  • Placement of mosquito traps in the area to monitor the Aedes aegypti population. Collected mosquitoes are subsequently tested for mosquito-borne diseases.

Public awareness is a critical line of defense in the fight against mosquito-borne disease. Homeowners can do their part by taking a few simple steps to remove potential breeding sites:

  • Eliminate any standing water by turning over and removing empty pots, buckets, trash cans, recycle bins, pet bowls and children’s toys.
  • Check tarps on boats or equipment and make sure gutters are clean.
  • Flush fresh water into bromeliads, hanging plants, and bird feeders.

In addition, homeowners can avoid being infected by suspect mosquitoes if they prevent bites by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, utilize a proven mosquito repellent with Deet and keep mosquitoes out of their residence by making sure that doors and windows are closed and screens free of tears or holes.

To place a service request with FKMCD, visit www.keysmosquito.org or call 305-292-7190.