Broward County Florida Confronts Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile virus

Throughout 2024, the Florida Department of Health has reported various mosquito-transmitted diseases infecting people. Florida has confirmed that 14 species of Anopheles mosquitoes transmit diseases to humans. 

While Dengue fever gets most of the media headlines, diseases such as Chikungunya, Malaria, and West Nile virus have also been detected this year.

For example, on August 5, 2024, a locally acquired case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in Broward County.

As a direct response, the Broward County Mosquito Control Section recently announced it would spray organic larvicide as part of an integrated pest management approach. Truck-mounted larviciding will be performed between August 5 - 22, 2020.

This month, portions of Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Davie, and Southwest Ranches are being targeted in southeast Florida.

The larvicide used is VectoBac WDG, which is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats, or environmentally sensitive areas. The active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, strain AM6552), a naturally occurring, biodegradable bacterial mosquito larvicide.

Broward County Mosquito Control Section continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Health and Code Enforcement partners in Broward's 31 municipalities to reduce the population of mosquitoes and their habitats. Any Broward County resident experiencing mosquito problems can request service by calling 311.

Regarding disease prevention, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended Valneva SE's IXCHIQ®, a monovalent, single-dose, live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine. Vaccination is advised for international travelers since five chikungunya cases with onset in 2024 have been reported in individuals with a travel history to Brazil.

As of August 10, 2024, the CDC has not issued vaccination requirements for Florida residents or visitors.