Dengue cases near 100 in Hillsborough County
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Nearly 100 locally acquired dengue cases have been reported in Hillsborough County, and the state Department of Health is investigating a death possibly linked to the virus.
Why it matters: The county is the epicenter of Florida's dengue outbreak, accounting for about 86% of locally acquired cases statewide.
Driving the news: The family of a South Tampa woman who died this month told the Tampa Bay Times that she had dengue. The state is investigating whether the virus contributed to her death.
- Hillsborough County has recorded 95 locally acquired dengue cases since July, according to the state Department of Health.
- The county expanded aerial and ground mosquito treatments this week, including aerial treatments in Seminole Heights, Ybor City, West Tampa and Palma Ceia.
Threat level: About 1 in 4 people infected with the virus will get sick, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Fever is the most common symptom, often accompanied by headache, rash, vomiting and joint pain.
- In severe cases, dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours.
Zoom out: Five cases have been reported in Pinellas County, and Pasco County has recorded two.
- But as Alissa Berro, director of Pinellas County Mosquito Control, put it, "dengue doesn't stop at county lines." People travel throughout the region every day.
Be smart: Use insect repellent before going outdoors and wear long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes.
- Light colors may help, too. Research suggests dark clothing makes people more visible to mosquitoes.
- Dump or cover standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even small amounts of water.