ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Orange County is taking its fight against mosquitoes to the skies after reporting five locally acquired cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe illness.<\/p>\n
The county plans to conduct aerial mosquito spraying in targeted areas of Apopka and Pine Hills in an effort to reduce the mosquito population.<\/p>\n
For some South Apopka residents, the relief cannot come soon enough.<\/p>\n
Tequila and Destini, who live in South Apopka, said mosquitoes have become a persistent nuisance, prompting them to use mosquito repellent and limit their time outdoors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have the perfect approach \u2014 I\u2019m not outside,\u201d one of the residents said. \u201cI don\u2019t hang out in Apopka or be out after a certain time if I don\u2019t have mosquito spray.\u201d<\/p>\n
The residents said repellent has become a necessity, particularly in the evening when mosquitoes become more active.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: 2 more locally acquired dengue cases confirmed in Orange County]<\/p>\n
When asked whether applying repellent had become an everyday occurrence, one resident said it was a must when spending time outside in the evening.<\/p>\n
The two welcomed news of the county\u2019s planned aerial spraying, saying the mosquito problem has become difficult to tolerate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mosquitoes are bad,\u201d one resident said.<\/p>\n
Bettie Lewis, who has lived in her South Apopka home since 1970, said a lake across the street contributes to her concerns about mosquitoes in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Lewis said she goes inside when the sun begins to set.<\/p>\n
When asked what she does when the mosquitoes come out at night, Lewis responded, \u201cIn the house!\u201d<\/p>\n
She hopes the county\u2019s spraying will reduce the mosquito population and give residents greater peace of mind.<\/p>\n
Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control, said the aerial spraying is expected to reduce the targeted mosquito population by 99%.<\/p>\n
As of Monday, Orange County had reported five locally acquired dengue cases: four in Apopka and one in Pine Hills.<\/p>\n
Spraying is scheduled to begin just before 7 p.m. If storms interfere with the operation, county officials said the remaining spraying will be completed Saturday night.<\/p>\n
Dengue is primarily spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although many people experience mild symptoms or no symptoms, severe cases can be life-threatening.<\/p>\n
Residents can help reduce mosquito exposure by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers exposed skin and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.<\/p>\n
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