If you’re heading to Walt Disney World in the coming weeks, there’s a health advisory in Central Florida worth knowing about. Health officials have confirmed cases of dengue fever in the Orlando area, including a newly reported case in Seminole County on Wednesday, October 21.
The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after confirming that a resident contracted dengue locally. This means the infection was acquired through a mosquito bite in the area rather than during travel outside the region. Officials haven’t identified where within Seminole County the infection occurred.
This isn’t the first recent report in Central Florida, either. On October 12, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County confirmed that its total number of locally acquired dengue cases had reached five. Orange County health officials are working with mosquito control teams on increased surveillance and treatments, including plans for aerial spraying in affected communities.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue is a viral illness spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and a rash. Symptoms generally appear within two weeks of an infected bite.
Most people who become sick recover within about a week, but dengue can sometimes become serious. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, particularly if they’ve recently spent time in an area where dengue has been reported. Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or unusual bleeding require immediate medical attention.
Should Disney World Visitors Be Concerned?
It’s important to keep these reports in perspective. While dengue cases have been confirmed in Central Florida, there have been no reports identified in the information reviewed that specifically link these infections to Walt Disney World property.
Still, mosquito protection is a sensible precaution for anyone visiting Florida, especially since the mosquitoes that transmit dengue can bite during the daytime as well as at night.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and pants when practical, and taking steps to avoid mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to pack repellent for your park bag rather than assuming you’ll only need it in the evenings.
If you develop symptoms during or after your vacation, let your healthcare provider know about your recent travel. The CDC recommends acetaminophen for fever and pain associated with suspected dengue and advises against aspirin and ibuprofen because of potential bleeding complications.
There’s no reason to panic or assume that a Disney vacation needs to be canceled because of these reports. However, this is something we’ll be keeping an eye on as health officials continue monitoring mosquito-borne illnesses throughout Central Florida.
For additional information and prevention recommendations, visit the CDC’s dengue information page or the Florida Department of Health.
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