Public health officials in Florida have confirmed two locally acquired cases of dengue fever in Citrus County. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County announced the infections on Monday, initiating a coordinated response alongside Citrus County Mosquito Control to intensify surveillance and prevention measures across the area.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted primarily through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Health authorities emphasize that the disease is not contagious from person to person. Symptoms typically emerge within 15 days following a bite from an infected mosquito and generally manifest as a severe flu-like illness. Affected individuals often experience high fever, intense muscle aches, and joint pain, and occasionally develop a rash. Distinctly, dengue infections typically do not present with common respiratory symptoms.
In response to the confirmed local cases, local health and mosquito control agencies are working together to monitor the spread and reduce local vector populations. State and county officials have reiterated ongoing advisories for residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites and eliminate breeding habitats around residential properties.
To minimize exposure, officials recommend wearing protective clothing, such as loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during peak mosquito activity. Residents are also advised to apply EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing. According to health guidance, these repellents are proven safe and effective when used as directed, including for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Vector control efforts also focus on eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Homeowners are urged to inspect their properties and drain accumulated water from containers such as garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, and flowerpots, as well as areas collecting sprinkler or rainwater. Additionally, residents should repair damaged screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios to prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces.
