The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is on alert after confirming a case of locally acquired dengue fever. Dengue fever, a disease commonly spread by mosquitoes, has triggered the coordination of surveillance and prevention efforts in the area. In response to this public health threat, aerial spraying has been initiated to reduce the mosquito population, as reported by FOX 13 News.

Public health officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites. The measures include draining standing water from their properties, keeping swimming pools properly chlorinated, and using mosquito repellent with recommended active ingredients. According to ABC Action News, the Department of Health also advises residents to "cover your body with protective clothing while outdoors" and to "check and repair screens on doors and windows." These guidelines are in place to significantly lower the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses.

Alongside prevention advice, officials from the Department of Health are also requesting that citizens remain vigilant by reporting any dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This is a crucial part of a broader statewide surveillance operation for mosquito-borne diseases, which includes monitoring for West Nile virus infections, malaria, and others, as stated in a report by WFLA News. The presence of dead birds can often be an early indicator of the spread of these diseases.

The health alert has prompted Hillsborough County officials to emphasize the importance of community engagement in the face of this health issue. Simple practices, such as making sure to keep doors and windows closed, can effectively to help keep mosquitoes outside. For more information on dengue fever and preventive tips, citizens are encouraged to visit the Department of Health's website.