Miami, August 23, 2013 - Today, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for Miami-Dade County. The first locally acquired Dengue Fever case in 2013 has been confirmed in an 18-year-old male.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and confusion. Health care providers should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may meet the case definition for a mosquito-borne illness. Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following the department of health recommendations.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. You should remember “Drain and Cover”.
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent
• CLOTHING - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
• Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
Tips on Repellent Use
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.
In addition, please keep in mind:
1. The mosquito that transmits Dengue fever (Aedes aegypti) is a container breeder - larvae can even develop in a discarded bottlecap. You can eliminate breeding mosquitos from small pockets of standing water in your yard by filling them with sand. This method has been used successfully throughout South America.
2. The mosquito species that carries Dengue (Aedes aegypti) is one of many that breeds in large bromeliads - if you live in an urban area where Dengue Fever transmission is possible, bromeliads don't belong in your yard.
Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. For more information please visit our website at www.dadehealth.org or contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.
