Manatee County confirms second local dengue infection
Florida health officials announced the new case on Friday and are intensifying mosquito control operations in the area.
By Leah Thompson ·
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County confirmed a second locally acquired dengue case on Friday. This announcement follows the first publicly reported local infection in the county, which was identified one week prior.
Health officials stated they are collaborating with county departments and Manatee County Mosquito Control to increase surveillance and prevention. Current efforts include truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and localized inspections for mosquito breeding sites. The department did not release the patients' conditions, specify if the cases are connected, or provide dates and locations for the mosquito-control treatments.
According to the health department, dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It does not spread directly from person to person. Symptoms can appear within 15 days after a bite and may include fever, severe muscle and joint pain, and sometimes a rash.
Officials are asking residents to reduce mosquito bites and breeding areas around their homes. Recommended steps include wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and pants, applying EPA-registered insect repellent, repairing damaged window and door screens, and draining standing water from containers such as buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, and flowerpots.
The department advised anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a health care provider. No further public updates are scheduled at this time.
Source: WWSB
