PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County has confirmed two cases of locally acquired dengue fever. The Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) reported the cases on Tuesday but advised the public that there is a heightened risk of more cases.
Dengue fever primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes and can cause headaches, fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and rash.
Hillsborough County also reported a local case of Dengue fever in June.
PCMCD said they will have additional aerial and ground spraying in Pasco County to protect residents.
Residents are urged to take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as draining standing water from their property, covering their skin with clothing, and using repellent if they are outdoors.
Pasco County woman trying to rebuild mobile home after hurricanes
"I cried, of course, because I've worked very hard getting it nice, which has been difficult for me since I lost my husband and being alone,” Kelly Welty said.
Welty's mobile home lost its roof during Hurricane Milton. She said it was the only one in the Buena Vista community to get totaled by a tornado.