DOH-Hillsborough Urges Residents to Prevent Mosquito Bites During Halloween Weekend
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Hillsborough County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) reminds all residents and visitors to enjoy Halloween festivities safely this weekend by taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can transmit illnesses, including dengue fever, and with cooler fall evenings and increased outdoor activities, the risk of exposure increases.
Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash. Typically, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms may appear within 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious and is transmitted only through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
DOH-Hillsborough encourages the community to avoid mosquito bites by taking these basic precautions:
- Spray. Apply insect repellents registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exposed skin and clothing. When used as directed, EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Drain. Control mosquitoes inside and outside your home. Repair damaged window and door screens, and drain standing water from items such as tires, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, and flowerpots where water may collect.
- Cover. Wear protective clothing—loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants—especially when outdoors.
Let’s make this weekend both festive and healthy. Enjoy trick-or-treating, costume gatherings, and outdoor fun. Just don’t forget insect repellent before heading outside!
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please contact your health care provider.
