CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Citrus County health officials have confirmed a case of locally acquired dengue fever, prompting local agencies to step up mosquito control and surveillance operations across the area.
The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) announced the case and confirmed it is coordinating response efforts alongside Citrus County Mosquito Control. Planned measures include increased truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and targeted ground inspections to locate and treat mosquito breeding grounds.
Dengue is not spread directly from person to person. Instead, the virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, with symptoms typically showing up within 14 to 15 days of a bite.
According to health officials, the infection usually presents as a flu-like illness marked by fever, severe muscle aches, joint pain, and occasionally a rash. Unlike many common viral infections, dengue generally does not cause respiratory symptoms.
To lower the risk of infection, DOH-Citrus advises residents to take standard precautions against mosquito bites. These steps include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as applying EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Health officials noted that EPA-registered repellents are safe and effective when used as directed, including for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Residents are also urged to eliminate standing water around their properties. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so officials recommend draining birdbaths, flowerpots, buckets, garbage cans, pool covers, coolers, toys, and any other containers that collect rain or sprinkler runoff. Homeowners should also inspect and repair torn window, door, and patio screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
The state health department maintains ongoing surveillance for multiple mosquito-borne illnesses across Florida, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis. As part of statewide monitoring, residents are asked to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Public health guidance on mosquito bite prevention is available in English, Spanish, and Creole through the Department of Health’s website and its weekly surveillance reports. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with dengue is advised to contact a healthcare provider.
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