Escambia County, Florida – A local resident was infected of mosquito-borne diseases, both dengue and chikungunya fever, confirmed by the Escambia County Department of Health.
Viral Infection
In a press release issued recently, the Escambia County Department of Health confirmed that a resident suffered from two viral infections namely the chikungunya fever and dengue fever. The patient, now in an urgent care clinic for treatment, was suspected of acquiring the viral infections during a Caribbean tour. The said viral infections are both mosquito-borne diseases, acquired through exposure and bites from infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms and Prevention
The Health Department director Dr. John Lanza said in a statement that the key prevention of such infections is avoidance of mosquito bites. Including the West Nile virus, dengue and chikungunya fever can be acquired from simple mosquito bites. Lanza encouraged everyone in taking preventive measures so as to reduce the chances of being bitten. The symptoms of chikungunya virus include headache, sudden high fever, severe joint pains, back pains, and rashes. Normally, these symptoms manifest between 3 to 7 days after exposure, while dengue symptoms begin to appear between 4 to 7 days. Dengue symptoms include severe headache, high fever, joint pains, rashes, muscle pain, as well as mild nosebleed and gum bleed. An urgent care and management of these diseases are necessary for younger children are more prone to these infections than adults.
Complications and Recovery
The recovery from these mosquito-borne diseases usually take several days or a few weeks. The Health Department emphasized that long-term effects and complications may develop. Further health complications normally occur among infants, 65 years and older, including those with chronic conditions. Together with urgent care clinics, corresponding agencies, health facilities, and residents, precautionary measures can be done in reducing the risks of infections. The Health Department suggests several precautions such as proper drainage of water from buckets, flower pots, garbage cans, and other containers wherein mosquitoes can dwell. Discarding old items that are not in use will also do well. Using mosquito repellent products and wearing the proper clothing when outdoors are equally crucial in the prevention of getting bitten.
Immediate Management
The Health Department also reminded people to seek for an urgent care near me facility if symptoms occur. An early assessment, management, and treatment of such infections are primary to prevent complications and even death. People should be aware that mosquito-borne diseases could be fatal when not treated immediately, so employing necessary precautions is the best key to the prevention of such viral infections.
