Health department urges mosquito bite protection for Halloween weekend

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) asks residents and visitors to prevent mosquito bites this Halloween weekend.

The department says mosquitoes can spread illnesses, including dengue fever. It says cooler fall evenings and more outdoor activity increase the risk of exposure.

About dengue

Dengue can look like the flu. Symptoms include severe muscle aches, joint pain, fever and sometimes a rash. Typically, there are no respiratory symptoms.

Symptoms may appear within 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Dengue is not contagious. Only the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads it.

How to prevent bites

The department gives three basic steps:

• Spray. Put insect repellent registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on exposed skin and clothing. The department says EPA-registered repellents are safe and effective when used as directed, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Drain. Repair damaged window and door screens. Drain standing water from tires, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys and flowerpots.
• Cover. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially outdoors.

If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider.