As of October 17, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District reported five locally transmitted dengue virus cases. In the wake of back-to-back hurricanes Helen and Milton, which separately hit different parts of Pasco, the district announced it is ramping up efforts to control the county’s mosquito population.
Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animals on earth and breed in swamps, puddles, and even stagnant water such as water collected in tires, trash cans, and other containers. Adrian Rogers, the district’s executive director, told Suncoast News in a phone interview that two very different storms created a double whammy that put the county at risk for a mosquito infestation.
Normally in hurricane conditions, adults can’t withstand strong winds, but “what we’re concerned about is water,” she said. Helen brought unprecedented storm surge to areas never seen before, expanded wetlands and expanded water storage far beyond the county’s carrying capacity, she said.
Then came Milton, which caused massive river flooding in the interior.
“There are some neighborhoods in central and eastern Pasco that are still under water,” Rogers said. “There’s a huge amount of standing water, up to three feet, in areas that have never flooded before.”
Some of it may start to recede, but many will last for some time and authorities will need to consider long-term solutions, she said. Flooding also makes it more difficult to control adult mosquito populations as district trucks are unable to reach some areas.
In response, district staff conduct mosquito control operations during the day and evening hours, Rogers said.
“Our primary concern is the health and safety of our residents,” she told Suncoast News via email. “Effective mosquito control is critical to preventing the spread of dengue virus, especially through recent community transmission. Our teams are working tirelessly to protect public health. We are increasing mosquito control operations both on land and in the air using ATVs and helicopters.”
The district targets mosquitoes in their larval stage and also attacks adult mosquitoes in areas where they emerge. It also helps remove debris created by hurricanes, creating new breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Rogers stressed that the public needs to take all measures to reduce mosquito infestations: “drainage and cover.” Residents are asked to regularly check and drain items that may collect water, such as trash cans, pool covers, flower pots, plastic swimming poots, and other containers. Birdbaths and pet bowls should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week. Keep your swimming pool chlorinated. When outdoors, use insect repellent and wear socks, shoes, and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Install screens on doors and windows and repair broken screens. This is especially important as the weather gets cooler and people leave their windows open.
Diseases spread by infected mosquitoes include malaria, various forms of encephalitis, yellow fever and Zika in humans, and heartworm disease in animals. Dengue fever is a potentially fatal and incurable virus that can be prevented with a vaccine. But it’s rare in this part of Florida, more common in the tropics, and people aren’t vaccinated.
In September, the county confirmed two dengue cases in West Pasco, north of Ridge Road. That number has now increased to five. Symptoms may be so mild that you may not even realize you are sick, but in severe cases, it can cause shock, internal bleeding, and even death. Severely ill patients should be monitored in hospital. Early symptoms are the same as many viruses, such as headaches, joint pain, etc., and doctors here usually don’t check for dengue, so it’s important to let your doctor know if you’ve been bitten by a mosquito or if you live in a dangerous area . Areas where dengue fever is endemic.
For more information, visit the Pasco County Mosquito Control District website. www.pascomosquito.org/.
