UPDATE: UCF has confirmed that the man is a UCF Student.
A health advisory has been sent out notifying the community of a case of Dengue fever near the UCF/Orange County area. The report says the man, 19, was confirmed to have the disease after lab testing.
Dengue Fever is a viral disease that is transmitted through mosquito’s. It is not however, transmitted from person-to-person. The most commons symptoms of dengue include high fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone pain, rash, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. There is no specific medication or vaccine for dengue fever.
Seminole and Orange County Mosquioto Control are currently inspecting areas of the county and near the University.
Health departments give this advice to help avoid mosquito bites and possible infection:
This includes:
DRAIN standing water:
• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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.
COVER your skin with:
• CLOTHING – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30% 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:
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
Continue to check back for more information.
