New Dengue Fever Cases Reported In Miami-Dade

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – As the Labor Day weekend brings outdoor activities around South Florida, the The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County wants residents to take extra precautions when it comes to mosquitoes.

The agency said Friday three additional cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been reported.

The three cases include a 49-year-old and two 64-year-old people.

So far this year, the total number of dengue fever cases is four.

Symptoms of dengue gever may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and confusion.

Doctors are urged to contact their county health department if a patient is exhibiting symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness.

You should drain any standing water from around your home.

•  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.

It is also recommend you cover yourself well.

• 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.

Tips on Repellent Use

• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.  Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.  Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.  These products are generally available at local pharmacies.  Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.  According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years.  DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.  Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.  Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.

For more information, click here.

Contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.

RELATED CONTENT: