First Locally-Acquired Case Of Chikungunya Fever For Broward County
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Health officials in Broward County have issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after the first locally acquired case of Chikungunya Fever was documented in the county.
If a person is infected and bitten by a mosquito, that mosquito may later spread the infection by biting another person.
The Broward Department of Health recommends residents take extra precautions to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and Chikungunya.
Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties have already reported locally acquired cases.
Read more: Residents Concerned About Mosquito-Borne Chikungunya Virus
Symptoms of mosquito-borne illness may include: headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, light sensitivity and confusion. Symptoms may vary according to the age of the patient. Infants and young children may have a fever with rash. Older children and adults may have either a mild fever or a more severe case of the disease with sudden onset and high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, and rash.
People with serious health problems, infants and the elderly are most at risk.
Recommended preventive methods should include:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Discard: Old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
- Empty and Clean: Birdbaths, bird feeders, and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
- Maintain: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
- 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 DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
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