LAKELAND, FL — A case of dengue has been confirmed in Polk County by the Florida Department of Health. Health officials said the human case was locally acquired and are now coordinating with Polk County Mosquito Control on surveillance and prevention efforts.
According to a press release from DOH-Polk, mosquito control crews are conducting inspections and treatment, while health officials are providing community outreach.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Health officials are reminding residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing when possible and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Several mosquito borne diseases are found in Florida, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis. Other illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya and malaria, can also be transmitted by mosquitoes.
The Florida Department of Health said it continues statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and chikungunya.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites as DOH-Polk and Polk County Mosquito Control continue surveillance, treatment and prevention efforts.
