Public reminded to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses
Health officials confirm case of chikungunya fever related to current outbreak in the Caribbean
SARASOTA COUNTY -The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) announced today a confirmed case of chikungunya (chik-en-gun-ye)fever in an individual who recently traveled to the Dominican Republic. The individual is recovering from the illness. The concern about chikungunya, a disease spread by bites from infected mosquitoes, was heightened statewide in May when health officials started to learn of cases occurring in residents across the state after traveling to the Caribbean islands.
There have been no reports of anyone acquiring chikungunya locally in Sarasota County, Florida, nor in the United States.
“Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infection with chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases,” said DOH-Sarasota Medical Director Dr. William Heymann. “The typical summer rain pattern increases mosquito activity. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautions to reduce sources of standing water which serve as mosquito breeding sites, and to prevent mosquito bites.”
“Aedesspecies mosquitoes transmit the chikungunya virus and the dengue virus. These mosquitoes bite mostly during the daytime and are associated with the accumulation of water in man-made containers that serve as breeding sites,” said Sarasota County Mosquito Management Director Matt Smith. “Eliminating water sources (buckets, etc.) will greatly reduce encounters with this mosquito. Additionally, make sure that your window screens are in good order to reduce the risk of mosquitoes feeding inside your home.”
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying:
- Drain water from garbage cans,house gutters,buckets,pool covers,coolers,toys,flower pots 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 or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools and ensure they are appropriately chlorinated.Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent:
- Wear shoes,socks,long pants and long-sleeves.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out:
- Keep mosquitoes out of your house.Repair broken screens on windows,doors,porches,and patios.
People at increased risk for severe illness, and possible complications after being bitten by an infected mosquito include newborns exposed during delivery and infants younger than a year old, adults older than age 65, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes,high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of chikungunya include sudden onset of high fever with a temperature greater than 102 degrees, severe joint pain mainly in the arms and legs, headache, muscle pain, back pain and rash. Symptoms appear on average three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The majority of people feel betteraftera fewdaysor weeks;however,somepeople may develop long-termeffects.
If you are not feeling well, consult with your health care provider immediately and protect yourself against additional mosquito bites. Avoiding mosquito bites while you are sick will help to protect others from getting infected.
Learn how to reduce mosquito-breeding sites around your home or to report a mosquito problem:
- Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000
- Sarasota County: www.scgov.net
Healthcare providers and others with health-related questions:
- DOH Sarasota Disease Intervention Services: 941-861-2837
- DOH-Sarasota Travelers Health Clinic: 941-861-2900 (Sarasota); 941-861-3864 (North Port)
- DOH-Sarasota: www.sarasotahealth.org
Additional information:
Florida Department of Health:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
- Travel Information: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
The DOH-Sarasota is part of a statewide network of county health departments that work to protect,promoteand improve the health of residents and visitors through integratedstate,countyand communityefforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit www.floridahealth.gov.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, or genetic information. Persons with disabilities who require assistance or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), or who wish to file a complaint, should contact Sarasota County ADA/ Civil Rights Coordinator, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236. Phone: 941-861-5000, TTY 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771; email: [email protected].
DOH-Sarasota Media Contact:
Dianne Shipley, 941-861-2852; cell 941-302-1058; [email protected]
