Pasco County Mosquito Control District Advises of Alert Following Local Dengue Virus Case
Media Release | September 17, 2024
Pasco County Mosquito Control
Community Engagement
The Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) is advising residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pasco County. PCMCD is alerting the community to a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue virus in our area and informing there is a heightened concern additional residents will become ill.
Symptom of dengue virus include; headache, fever, chills, muscle, bone and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, rash.
In response to this public health concern, PCMCD is implementing increased surveillance and control measures in the area to mitigate the risk and prevent further transmission of the virus. Dengue virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites, and while it is less common in our region, the presence of a confirmed case warrants heightened vigilance. PCMCD is ramping up its mosquito control efforts, including targeted ground and aerial adulticide spraying and larvicide applications in the affected areas to reduce mosquito populations.
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 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 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. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas
where mosquitoes are present. - 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.
The PCMCD is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community and will continue
to monitor the situation closely. 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
