The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County said Friday three locally-acquired cases of dengue fever have been found recently and the agency is urging everyone to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
The three cases included a 49-year-old and two 64-year-old residents in Miami-Dade.
The DOH said symptoms of dengue fever may include: headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and confusion.
The Department of Health and Miami-Dade Mosquito Control said they were continuing surveillance and prevention efforts in the county and asked people to remember: “drain and cover.”
- 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 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 skin with clothing or repellent
- CLOTHING - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- REPELLENT - 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.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
- Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
