October 16, 2024
Pasco County Mosquito Control District Advises of Additional Local Dengue Cases and Ongoing
Enhancement of Mitigation Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Media Release | October 16, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
– In response to the recent impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the emergence of additional locally acquired dengue virus, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) has been ramping up its mosquito control efforts.
The district is committed to protecting public health by effectively managing mosquito populations through comprehensive ground and aerial activities.
Following the identification of additional locally acquired dengue virus cases and two hurricanes,
district staff have been actively conducting mosquito control operations during both daytime and
evening hours. These efforts focus on targeting mosquitoes in their immature stages to prevent them
from maturing into flying and biting adults that can spread disease and cause significant nuisance to
the community.
Dengue Virus
There is a heightened concern additional residents will become ill. Symptoms of
dengue virus include; headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, bone and joint pain, nausea, vomiting,
pain behind the eyes, rash, bleeding of the gums. In response to this public health concern, PCMCD is
implementing increased surveillance and control measures in the affected area to reduce the risk and
prevent further transmission of the virus.
Why Mosquito Control is Vital After a Storm
– Effective mosquito control is essential, especially
after severe weather events. Standing water from flooding provides ideal breeding grounds for
mosquitoes, which can quickly multiply. By reducing mosquito populations, we help protect not only
the health of our community but also the various emergency response personnel working tirelessly to
aid residents and restore normalcy. The presence of mosquitoes can hinder these efforts, creating
additional health risks and discomfort for those already facing the challenges of recovery.
“We understand the vital role that effective mosquito control plays in protecting our community’s
health, especially following recent, back to back major hurricanes. Our team is fully committed to
reducing mosquito populations and ensuring a safe environment for all residents and first
responders.”
—Adriane Rogers, Executive Director, Pasco County Mosquito Control District
Key activities include:
- Proactive Applications: Utilizing both helicopter and truck-mounted treatments to target
mosquito larvae and reduce populations before they can reach adulthood. - Managing Debris: The debris left in the wake of Hurricane Helene has created new breeding
sites for mosquitoes. The district is working to mitigate these areas to prevent further
mosquito infestation. - Addressing Flooded Areas: While floodwaters from Hurricane Milton have created
challenges, the district remains vigilant, deploying resources to hard-to-reach areas affected
by unprecedented riverine flooding. - Educating Citizens: To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to Drain
and Cover: Residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves and
their families:
DRAIN standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly check and empty
items that can collect water. - Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots
or any other containers where rain or flood 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 pet’s water bowls at least once per 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 socks, shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to minimize skin
exposure when outside. - Repellent – Apply U.S. EPA-approved insect repellent to bare skin and clothing.
o Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin,
and IR3535 are effective. - Avoid – Stay inside around peak mosquito activity times. Mosquitoes that can spread
dengue are more active during the day, so take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites
during early morning and late afternoon, as well as dusk and dawn.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. - Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios to keep mosquitoes
outside. This is particularly important for areas without electricity, as residents tend to
leave doors and windows open until power is restored.
The PCMCD’s staff of dedicated and passionate mosquito control professionals remain committed to
closely monitoring the situation. For additional information or to report mosquito concerns, please
contact the Pasco County Mosquito Control District at 727-376-4568 or visit our website at
PascoMosquito.org.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to protect our community
from mosquito-borne diseases.
