With the specter of mosquito-borne sicknesses looming giant as summer time units in, Broward County has launched nighttime larvicide spraying in a number of southern cities to curb the inhabitants of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
The trouble comes as public well being officers throughout the Americas and the Caribbean warn of rising instances of viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, that are unfold by contaminated mosquitoes.
Earlier this month, Broward’s Mosquito Management Part carried out truck-mounted larvicide spraying in Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Park, and West Park. The operation particularly focused Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two mosquito species chargeable for transmitting a number of critical ailments that proceed to have an effect on components of Florida and the Caribbean.
The ailments: What it is advisable to know
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Dengue: Typically referred to as “breakbone fever,” dengue causes excessive fever, rash, muscle and joint ache, and in extreme instances, inner bleeding and dying. It’s widespread in tropical areas, with cyclical outbreaks within the Caribbean and components of South Florida.
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Chikungunya: This virus causes fever and extreme joint ache that may final for weeks and even months. Whereas not often deadly, chikungunya will be debilitating and is a rising concern in heat, moist climates.
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Yellow Fever: Although largely managed via vaccination, yellow fever stays a threat in sure areas. Signs embrace fever, jaundice, and bleeding; extreme instances will be deadly.
Many of those ailments don’t have any particular therapy—solely supportive care—making prevention one of the best line of protection.
Mosquito breeding grounds and find out how to combat them
The mosquitoes that carry these viruses lay their eggs in even the smallest quantities of stagnant water, usually present in flower pots, pet bowls, buckets, and ornamental crops like bromeliads.
Broward’s spraying marketing campaign makes use of VectoBac WDG, a larvicide containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae however is protected for people, pets, aquatic life, and pollinators.
However spraying alone isn’t sufficient. Public well being officers urge residents to take the next precautions:
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Dump and drain any standing water in yards or patios
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Use an EPA-approved insect repellent when outdoor
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Set up or restore screens on doorways and home windows
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Put on lengthy sleeves and pants, particularly at daybreak and nightfall
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Cowl water storage containers and clear them commonly
These identical mosquito-borne ailments should not only a concern for South Florida—they’re a persistent menace in lots of Caribbean nations, particularly through the wet season. Nations like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic proceed to battle periodic outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya.
With frequent journey between Florida and the Caribbean, cross-border public well being cooperation is vital. Broward’s Mosquito Management program continues to work with the Florida Division of Well being and native code enforcement groups to cut back mosquito habitats and monitor illness tendencies.
Residents experiencing mosquito points can request help by calling 311 or filling out the net Mosquito Service Request Form.
