More cases of dengue fever pop up in Pasco County | News

As of Oct. 17, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District reported five confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue virus. Coming on top of back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton — which separately devastated different parts of Pasco — the district said it is intensifying its efforts to control the county’s mosquito population.

Mosquitos are considered the deadliest animals on earth, and they proliferate in stagnant water such as swamps, puddles and even water caught in tires, garbage cans and other receptacles. The two very different storms created a double whammy that puts the county in danger of mosquito infestation, Adriane Rogers, executive director of the district, told the Suncoast News in a phone interview.

Normally, in hurricane conditions, adult mosquitos would not survive the high winds, but “our concern is the water,” she said. Helene brought unprecedented tidal surge to areas that never had it before, expanding marshy areas and standing water well past the county’s capacity, she said.

Then Milton came along, bringing massive river flooding to inland areas.

“There are some neighborhoods in central and east Pasco that are still under water,” Rogers said. “There is a tremendous amount of water — up to 3 feet — in areas that never flooded before.”

Some of that may begin to recede, she said, but much will stick around for some time, and officials will need to look at long-term solutions. The flooding also makes it more challenging to control adult mosquito populations as the district’s trucks simply can’t get to some areas.

In response to these conditions, district staff have been conducting mosquito control operations during both daytime and evening hours, Rogers said.

“Our primary concern is the health and safety of our residents,” she told the Suncoast News in an email. “Effective mosquito control is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases, especially with the recent cases of locally acquired dengue virus. Our team is working tirelessly to safeguard public health. We are intensifying our mosquito control efforts by both land and air, using trucks, ATVs and helicopters.”

The district is targeting mosquitos in their larval stage and also attacking adult populations in areas where they have emerged. It is also helping with the removal of debris the hurricanes created, which have created new mosquito breeding sites.

Rogers emphasized that the population needs to take all the actions it can to mitigate mosquito infestation: “Drain and Cover.” Residents are urged to regularly check and drain items that can collect water, such as garbage cans, pool covers, flowerpots, plastic swimming poots and other containers. Birdbaths and pet bowls should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week. Keep swimming pools chlorinated. Outside, use insect repellant and wear socks, shoes and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Keep doors and windows screened and repair broken screens. This is especially important as the weather is cooling and people are keeping their windows open.

Diseases spread by infected mosquitos include malaria, various forms of encephalitis, yellow fever and zika in humans, and heartworm disease in animals. Dengue fever, an incurable virus that can be fatal, can be prevented with a vaccine. But as it is rare in this part of Florida — it is more common in the tropics — and people are not vaccinated.

In September, the county confirmed two cases of dengue in West Pasco north of Ridge Road; that count has now expanded to five. While some cases are so mild the person doesn’t even realize they are sick, severe cases can cause shock and internal bleeding, and even death. Patients with severe cases need to be monitored in a hospital. Because the initial symptoms are the same as for many viruses — headaches, joint pain and the like — and because doctors here don’t normally look for dengue fever, it’s important to inform your physician if you were bit by a mosquito or live in an area where dengue is present.

For more information, visit the Pasco County Mosquito Control District website at www.pascomosquito.org/.