Orange County Mosquito Control is actively working to protect residents from dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that has been causing concern in Florida. The team, equipped with protective gear and insecticide, is setting up aerosol treatment barriers and eliminating disease-carrying mosquitoes in a west Orlando neighborhood. They are particularly vigilant due to the potential risk of dengue becoming locally acquired in the county, which is a popular tourist destination.
Climate change-related events have raised worries about increased mosquito breeding and the spread of diseases. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity create favorable conditions for mosquitoes to thrive and multiply. Michael Von Fricken, a researcher at the University of Florida, explains that higher mosquito densities are expected with rising temperatures. Mosquitoes that survive longer have more chances to become carriers of harmful viruses.
Dengue, also known as “bone break fever,” is a viral infection commonly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While most cases are non-lethal, the symptoms such as high fever and body aches can be severe. Although dengue is not commonly spread in the U.S., Florida has seen instances of infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that climate change will lead to more mosquito breeding and subsequently increased cases of dengue.
In 2021, the WHO reported a five-fold increase in climate-change-related disasters over the past 50 years, with water hazards accounting for 50% of all disasters. These findings support the concern about the impact of climate change on mosquito populations and the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Orange County Mosquito Control is dedicated to preventing dengue from becoming locally acquired. Their efforts, including setting up barrier treatments and targeting adult mosquitoes, aim to create a protective forcefield around homes in the affected area. By proactively addressing potential risks, the team is working to safeguard the health of residents and visitors alike.
Sources:
– 90.7 WMFE News
– University of Florida
– World Health Organization (WHO)
