A 19-year-old man has been diagnosed with dengue fever near the University of Central Florida, the Seminole and Orange County Health Departments said Tuesday.
The case was discovered close to the University of Central Florida near the Seminole and Orange County line, and authorities say, the man is recovering from this illness.
As dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by a type of mosquito common in the southern United States and the tropics, health authorities are urging residents and visitors to take appropriate measures by practicing ‘Drain and Cover.’
This includes:
DRAIN standing water:
• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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 pets’ 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 in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER your skin with:
• CLOTHING – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
COVER doors and windows with screens:
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
Both Seminole and Orange County Mosquito Control are inspecting the areas around the county line by the University of Central Florida and treating as appropriate.
