Community Corner

Mosquito Bites: Advisory Issued, Tips Offered

After logging Hillsborough County's first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis since 2010, health officials have issued an advisory urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

 

The Hillsborough County Health Department is warning local residents to take precautions against mosquitoes.

The county has logged its first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a human since 2010. Although rare, this particular mosquito-borne illness can be quite serious, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The illness can cause swelling of the brain and may lead to severe complications, the CDC reports.

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Hillsborough’s most recent case was logged in the northwestern part of the county, a media release from the health department states. It is believed the bite that caused the disease occurred in early March.

The patient, who isn’t being identified, is recovering, the health department said.

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That one case has prompted the department to issue an advisory urging residents countywide to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

"We are thankful that this individual is recovering, and doing well," said Dr. Douglas Holt, the Hillsborough department’s director, in the media release. "While it's unusual that we see a case of EEE so early in the year, it's not that surprising given that we've had a very mild winter locally.”

The timing of the case serves as a reminder for residents to be aware of mosquito activity year-round, Holt said. Both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus, another serious mosquito-borne illness, are active year-round, he reminded.

What You Need to Know About Encephalitis

This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes when they bite humans or animals. Symptoms, according to the health department, can include headaches, fevers, irritability, drowsiness, diarrhea, convulsions and even coma.

Only about five to 10 cases are reported throughout the United States each year. The disease is only spread through the bite of a mosquito that’s been infected. That means it can’t be caught through person-to-person contact, the department says.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Since it’s hard to tell if a mosquito bite came from an infected insect, the department urges everyone to avoid bites in the first place.

While the county does spray for mosquitoes, it’s important that residents do their part, too. Here are some tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay:

  • Make sure to drain areas that might have standing water that can promote mosquito reproduction.
  • Throw away old tires, bottles and other items from yards to prevent the accumulation of standing water.
  • Be sure to clean out birdbaths and pet water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Cover boats and other vehicles that collect water to prevent the accumulation.
  • Make sure swimming pools are properly cared for to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them.
  • Be sure to cover the skin when going outside and use mosquito repellent. The department suggests repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
  • Mosquito netting can also be useful for helping to protect infants.

For more tips on preventing mosquito bites, visit the Hillsborough County Health Department online.

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