FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Dengue fever cases are rising in Florida, with a new hotspot emerging in Pinellas County.
The Florida Department of Health reports a total of 368 cases of locally-acquired dengue this year across seven counties as of Thursday. The majority are in Hillsborough County, but the latest data shows Pinellas County is becoming a new area of concern.
“We’re still seeing an increase in those numbers, especially in the Hillsborough and now actually the Pinellas area,” said Jenifer McBride, communication director for Lee County Mosquito Control District.
Mosquito experts say they haven’t seen localized cases like this since the 1930s. Right now, there are no locally-acquired dengue fever cases reported in any Southwest Florida counties.
The mosquito-borne virus can cause aches, nausea and rashes, though it is rarely deadly. McBride explained how the disease spreads from one area to another.
“This mosquito… it only travels from backyard to backyard. It doesn’t go very far,” McBride said. “What we’re seeing now is that as humans move, they’re moving it around counties.”
For months, Lee County Mosquito Control has been helping fight the outbreak with education and larvacide sprays across county lines. McBride emphasized that the actual number of cases is likely much higher than reported.
“368 may not seem like a lot of people, but the reality is, this virus only 80% of people are actually symptomatic,” McBride said. “So, for us, we know that number is actually much higher.”
Preston Gosa, a Lee County neighbor and mobile mechanic, has lived in Florida for decades and served 40 years in the army. He said he’s familiar with mosquito-borne diseases from his time in service.
“Been 40 years in the army. I’ve been to every mosquito-infested place with malaria, and the disease you’re talking about is getting bad,” Gosa said.
As a mobile mechanic, Gosa sees common breeding grounds for mosquitos at people’s homes. He pointed out items that collect standing water as major contributors to mosquito populations.
“I’ve been around a lot of people’s houses because I go to their house to work on vehicles. I’ve seen a lot of old tires laying around, anything buckets, any containers that are left outside, and you see the water stagnant,” Gosa said. “It’s a breeding field for it.”
Mosquito experts say dumping standing water is key to stopping the spread. McBride offered simple advice for residents to help control mosquito populations.
“What I suggest is once a week, just take a walk around your backyard,” McBride said.
“We’re going to get this under control. We just need everybody’s help,” McBride said.