Local dengue case triggers mosquito monitoring in Brevard County

A confirmed case of dengue acquired locally in Brevard County has prompted health officials to step up mosquito monitoring and treatments — and urge residents to protect themselves from bites.The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County and Brevard County Mosquito Control are coordinating the response, which includes targeted mosquito treatments and overnight spraying to reduce the risk of transmission.Officials are also increasing monitoring for mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.The health department issued a public advisory announcing the case and reminding residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.“DOH-Brevard reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions,” the agency said in a statement.The local response comes as state health officials continue tracking mosquito-borne illnesses across Florida, including dengue, West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and chikungunya.As par