Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools. “The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.” [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_47763" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47763" style="width: 492px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-47763" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/09/Gordon_At-the-FLREC-termite-lab-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="492" height="369" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-47763" class="wp-caption-text">Johnalyn Gordon at the FLREC termite lab.</figcaption></figure>
Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools.
“The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.” said <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6AyZ6D4AAAAJ&amp;hl=en&amp;oi=sra">Johnalyn Gordon</a>, a postdoctoral associate in urban entomology at the <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a>.
Gordon, who specializes in urban pests, is also an instructor at Pest Management University, a cooperative training program between the pest management industry, UF IFAS, and the Florida Department of Agricultural Consumer Sciences. She emphasizes that while storm damage is a primary concern, understanding how to manage pest-related issues can prevent headaches and potential infestations later.
Here are Gordon’s go-to insights on what to look out for and how to manage pests after a storm:
Rainfall can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Several species of mosquitoes in Florida will breed in small containers of standing water. This includes the mosquito species that are vectors for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. They don’t need much water, so these can include spare tires, plant pots and saucers, bird baths and garbage cans.
Tip: Before the storm, survey your property for anything that might collect rain, and dump water out following rain from potential sources can interrupt mosquitoes’  life cycle and prevent them from using those containers to breed.
 
<figure id="attachment_47765" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47765" style="width: 263px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-47765 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="263" height="351" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/09/Gordon-holding-bed-bug-specimens-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-47765" class="wp-caption-text">Johnalyn Gordon at University of Kentucky where she worked on bed bug research as a graduate research assistant.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_47783" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47783" style="width: 419px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-47783" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/09/Gordon_roach-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="419" height="279" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-47783" class="wp-caption-text">Johnalyn Gordon demonstrates a Madagascar hissing cockroach.</figcaption></figure>
Flooding promotes pests on the move
Heavy rains create flooding, signaling insects and vertebrate pests to seek higher and drier grounds. Precipitation drives pests like cockroaches, spiders, and rodents indoors in search of a safe space. Floods also cause red imported fire ants to form floating “rafts,” which can pose a painful hazard for anyone cleaning up after the storm.
The red imported fire ant is a prominent pest ant in Florida, most recognizable for its nasty sting, but takes a unique approach to dealing with flooding. These ants, which live in colonies of tens of thousands of individuals, nest in the ground, and when flooding occurs, will form “rafts” by interlocking their bodies and floating on the surface of the water until they find higher ground. People can encounter these fire ant rafts when cleaning up flooded areas or when rafts come in contact with a structure.
Vertebrate pests like rodents and wildlife can also be displaced by flooding, which can make them more likely to enter a structure.
Tip: Ensure doors, windows and any storm-damaged areas are well sealed to block pests from entering your home or business. Be cautious when dealing with fire ant rafts in flooded areas. After the storm passes, cover any potential entry points caused by damage to prevent pests from coming inside and infesting a structure.
 
Don’t maintain moisture
Flooding can also lead to moisture problems in a structure, which can lead to pest problems later down the road, Gordon said.
In many cases, moisture and pests go hand in hand. One of the primary examples of this is subterranean termites, which will readily target and feed on water-damaged wood.
Being aware of potential moisture issues following storms and prioritizing moisture control in the structure is critical to help prevent subterranean termite infestations. If termites are discovered, the best course of action would be to reach out to a professional pest control company as soon as possible.
 
<figure id="attachment_47771" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47771" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-47771" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/09/Gordon_at-micoscope-analyzing-termite-specimens-260x300.jpeg" alt="" width="310" height="358" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-47771" class="wp-caption-text">Johnalyn Gordon at a microscope analyzing and identifying termite specimens.</figcaption></figure>
Trash buildup can be a fly magnet
In the aftermath of a storm, accumulations of garbage due to service impacts in waste management and often large amounts of spoiled food due to power outages can attract several different fly species, including house flies, phorid flies, and fruit flies, which will readily feed on refuse and decaying material.
Tip: To prevent a buildup of flies, place organic waste such as spoiled food in a bag and secure tightly. Then, place in a trash topped with a tightly fitting lid until trash can be disposed of or picked up.
 
Prevention is the key
When it comes to dealing with pest issues following a major storm or hurricane, prevention as well as quick action following the storm can go a long way to preventing or reducing associated pest problems.
“It’s important that great care is taken if pesticides are applied and that all label directions are followed, particularly as they relate to applications near water or to rain-soaked areas,” said Gordon.
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<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/09/25/experta-de-uf-ifas-ofrece-consejos-para-el-control-de-plagas-durante-la-temporada-de-huracanes/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace.</a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

Johnalyn Gordon at the FLREC termite lab.
Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools.
“The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.” said Johnalyn Gordon, a postdoctoral associate in urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
Gordon, who specializes in urban pests, is also an instructor at Pest Management University, a cooperative training program between the pest management industry, UF IFAS, and the Florida Department of Agricultural Consumer Sciences. She emphasizes that while storm damage is a primary concern, understanding how to manage pest-related issues can prevent headaches and potential infestations later.
Here are Gordon’s go-to insights on what to look out for and how to manage pests after a storm:
Rainfall can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Several species of mosquitoes in Florida will breed in small containers of standing water. This includes the mosquito species that are vectors for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. They don’t need much water, so these can include spare tires, plant pots and saucers, bird baths and garbage cans.
Tip: Before the storm, survey your property for anything that might collect rain, and dump water out following rain from potential sources can interrupt mosquitoes’  life cycle and prevent them from using those containers to breed.
 
Johnalyn Gordon at University of Kentucky where she worked on bed bug research as a graduate research assistant.
Johnalyn Gordon demonstrates a Madagascar hissing cockroach.
Flooding promotes pests on the move
Heavy rains create flooding, signaling insects and vertebrate pests to seek higher and drier grounds. Precipitation drives pests like cockroaches, spiders, and rodents indoors in search of a safe space. Floods also cause red imported fire ants to form floating “rafts,” which can pose a painful hazard for anyone cleaning up after the storm.
The red imported fire ant is a prominent pest ant in Florida, most recognizable for its nasty sting, but takes a unique approach to dealing with flooding. These ants, which live in colonies of tens of thousands of individuals, nest in the ground, and when flooding occurs, will form “rafts” by interlocking their bodies and floating on the surface of the water until they find higher ground. People can encounter these fire ant rafts when cleaning up flooded areas or when rafts come in contact with a structure.
Vertebrate pests like rodents and wildlife can also be displaced by flooding, which can make them more likely to enter a structure.
Tip: Ensure doors, windows and any storm-damaged areas are well sealed to block pests from entering your home or business. Be cautious when dealing with fire ant rafts in flooded areas. After the storm passes, cover any potential entry points caused by damage to prevent pests from coming inside and infesting a structure.
 
Don’t maintain moisture
Flooding can also lead to moisture problems in a structure, which can lead to pest problems later down the road, Gordon said.
In many cases, moisture and pests go hand in hand. One of the primary examples of this is subterranean termites, which will readily target and feed on water-damaged wood.
Being aware of potential moisture issues following storms and prioritizing moisture control in the structure is critical to help prevent subterranean termite infestations. If termites are discovered, the best course of action would be to reach out to a professional pest control company as soon as possible.
 
Johnalyn Gordon at a microscope analyzing and identifying termite specimens.
Trash buildup can be a fly magnet
In the aftermath of a storm, accumulations of garbage due to service impacts in waste management and often large amounts of spoiled food due to power outages can attract several different fly species, including house flies, phorid flies, and fruit flies, which will readily feed on refuse and decaying material.
Tip: To prevent a buildup of flies, place organic waste such as spoiled food in a bag and secure tightly. Then, place in a trash topped with a tightly fitting lid until trash can be disposed of or picked up.
 
Prevention is the key
When it comes to dealing with pest issues following a major storm or hurricane, prevention as well as quick action following the storm can go a long way to preventing or reducing associated pest problems.
“It’s important that great care is taken if pesticides are applied and that all label directions are followed, particularly as they relate to applications near water or to rain-soaked areas,” said Gordon.
###
 
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools. “The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.” […]

UF/IFAS expert shares pest control tips for hurricane season

As you prepare for the July 4th holiday, remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases. Outbreaks of Chikungunya fever were first reported in Tanzania in 1952. Chikungunya fever is a virus and two mosquito species commonly found in Florida- the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, [&#8230;]

As you prepare for the July 4th holiday, remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases. Outbreaks of Chikungunya fever were first reported in Tanzania in 1952. Chikungunya fever is a virus and two mosquito species commonly found in Florida- <a title="Aedes aegypti Featured Creatures" href="http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/aedes_aegypti.htm">the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti,</a> and <a title="Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Featured Creatures" href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/asian_tiger.htm">the Asian tiger mosquito, </a><a title="Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Featured Creatures" href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/asian_tiger.htm">Aedes albopictus</a>, are potential vectors. Increasingly, individuals who have traveled to Caribbean and Latin American countries have returned to the U.S. with imported cases of Chikungunya fever. Over time, the potential for locally acquired cases of Chikungunya exists due to the distribution of the mosquito vectors within Florida. Symptoms of the disease may include a high fever, rash, muscle pain, and joint pain within two weeks of a mosquito bite. Additionally, it is possible for a mosquito to transmit both Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever to a person. The Florida Department of Health continues to protect the citizens of Florida through weekly mosquito surveillance and disease reports. Weekly reports are available at:
<a title="Florida Department of Health Weekly Reports" href="http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/surveillance.html">http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/surveillance.html</a><a href="http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/chikungunya.html"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="alignright wp-image-1268 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Screen Image of the Florida Department of Health Chikungunya website." width="300" height="236" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/files/2014/06/Florida_DOH-300x236.jpg"></a>
During 2014, travel related cases of Chikungunya (48) and Dengue (24) have occurred in Florida.
How can you prevent exposure to Chikungunya or Dengue? Use EPA approved mosquito repellants, such as those containing DEET, reduce standing water in your yard (a habitat for immature larval mosquitoes), and avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk. It is also important for homes to have screens and windows that will prevent entry of mosquitoes into the home.
Florida Department of Health, Mosquito-Borne Diseases Information
<a title="Florida Department of Health, Mosquito Bourne Disease page" href="http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/">http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/ </a>
For the latest Florida Department of Health report on June 21, 2014, Volusia County was the only Florida county under a mosquito-borne illness advisory.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), and country-specific government agencies are monitoring the spread of locally acquired Chikungunya fever in the Caribbean since its presence was first confirmed in December 2013. The following countries/US territories are listed as reported cases of the Chikungunya virus according to the CDC website available here: <a title="CDC list of Caribbean Chikungunya Fever countries" href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/chikungunya-caribbean">http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/chikungunya-caribbean</a>
<ul>
<li>Anguilla</li>
<li>Antigua</li>
<li>British Virgin Islands</li>
<li>Dominica</li>
<li>Dominican Republic</li>
<li>French Guiana</li>
<li>Guadeloupe</li>
<li>Guyana</li>
<li>Haiti</li>
<li>Martinique</li>
<li>Puerto Rico</li>
<li>Saint Barthelemy</li>
<li>Saint Kitts</li>
<li>Saint Lucia</li>
<li>Saint Martin (French)</li>
<li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</li>
<li>Sint Maarten (Dutch)</li>
<li>Turks and Caicos Islands</li>
<li>US Virgin Islands</li>
</ul>
The U.S., CDC has a useful national website on Chikungunya at:
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/">http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/</a>
Some links to local Florida news articles related to Chikungunya Fever Virus are below-
Bradenton Herold, First Reported Case of Chikungunya Virus in Manatee County, June 27, 2014
<a title="Bradenton Herold link, June 27, 2014" href="http://www.bradenton.com/2014/06/27/5228343/first-case-of-chikungunya-fever.html">http://www.bradenton.com/2014/06/27/5228343/first-case-of-chikungunya-fever.html </a>
News 13, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a case of Chikungunya in Orange County, June 9, 2014
<a href="http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/6/9/chikungunya_fever.html">http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/6/9/chikungunya_fever.html</a>
Brevard Times, May 2014
<a title="Brevard Times article, May 2014" href="http://news.brevardtimes.com/2014/05/new-mosquito-virus-threatens-florida_18.html">http://news.brevardtimes.com/2014/05/new-mosquito-virus-threatens-florida_18.html</a>
SunSentinel, May 2014
<a title="Palm Beach County Chikungunya Fever" href="http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-05-21/health/fl-chikungunya-palm-beach-20140521_1_palm-beach-county-man-chikungunya-fever-health-department">http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-05-21/health/fl-chikungunya-palm-beach-20140521_1_palm-beach-county-man-chikungunya-fever-health-department</a>
Outside of Florida News Articles for Chikungunya Fever Virus-
The Leaf Chonicle.com, Tennessee Department of Health reports two cases of Chikungunya, June 29, 2014
<a href="http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20140629/SPORTS/306290016/OUTDOORS-Chikungunya-virus-found-Tennessee">http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20140629/SPORTS/306290016/OUTDOORS-Chikungunya-virus-found-Tennessee</a>
The Yucatan Times, First Case of Chikungunya Virus Detected in Mexico, June 27, 2014
<a href="http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/06/chikungunya-virus-detected-in-mexico/">http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/06/chikungunya-virus-detected-in-mexico/</a>

As you prepare for the July 4th holiday, remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases.  Outbreaks of Chikungunya fever were first reported in Tanzania in 1952.  Chikungunya fever is a virus and two mosquito species commonly found in Florida- the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, are potential vectors.  Increasingly, individuals who have traveled to Caribbean and Latin American countries have returned to the U.S. with imported cases of Chikungunya fever.  Over time, the potential for locally acquired cases of Chikungunya exists due to the distribution of the mosquito vectors within Florida.  Symptoms of the disease may include a high fever, rash, muscle pain, and joint pain within two weeks of a mosquito bite.  Additionally, it is possible for a mosquito to transmit both Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever to a person.  The Florida Department of Health continues to protect the citizens of Florida through weekly mosquito surveillance and disease reports.  Weekly reports are available at:
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/surveillance.html
During 2014, travel related cases of Chikungunya (48) and Dengue (24) have occurred in Florida.
How can you prevent exposure  to Chikungunya or Dengue?  Use EPA approved mosquito repellants, such as those containing DEET, reduce standing water in your yard (a habitat for immature larval mosquitoes), and avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk.  It is also important for homes to have screens and windows that will prevent entry of mosquitoes into the home.
Florida Department of Health, Mosquito-Borne Diseases Information
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/ 
For the latest Florida Department of Health report on June 21, 2014, Volusia County was the only Florida county under a mosquito-borne illness advisory.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), and country-specific government agencies are monitoring the spread of locally acquired Chikungunya fever in the Caribbean since its presence was first confirmed in December 2013.  The following countries/US territories are listed as reported cases of the Chikungunya virus according to the CDC website available here:  http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/chikungunya-caribbean
Anguilla
Antigua
British Virgin Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
French Guiana
Guadeloupe
Guyana
Haiti
Martinique
Puerto Rico
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Kitts
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin (French)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sint Maarten (Dutch)
Turks and Caicos Islands
US Virgin Islands
The U.S., CDC has a useful national website on Chikungunya at:
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
Some links to local Florida news articles related to Chikungunya Fever Virus are below-
Bradenton Herold, First Reported Case of Chikungunya Virus in Manatee County, June 27, 2014
http://www.bradenton.com/2014/06/27/5228343/first-case-of-chikungunya-fever.html 
News 13, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a case of Chikungunya in Orange County, June 9, 2014
http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/6/9/chikungunya_fever.html
Brevard Times, May 2014
http://news.brevardtimes.com/2014/05/new-mosquito-virus-threatens-florida_18.html
SunSentinel, May 2014
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-05-21/health/fl-chikungunya-palm-beach-20140521_1_palm-beach-county-man-chikungunya-fever-health-department
Outside of Florida News Articles for Chikungunya Fever Virus-
The Leaf Chonicle.com, Tennessee Department of Health reports two cases of Chikungunya, June 29, 2014
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20140629/SPORTS/306290016/OUTDOORS-Chikungunya-virus-found-Tennessee
The Yucatan Times, First Case of Chikungunya Virus Detected in Mexico, June 27, 2014
http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2014/06/chikungunya-virus-detected-in-mexico/

As you prepare for the July 4th holiday, remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases. Outbreaks of Chikungunya fever were first reported in Tanzania in 1952. Chikungunya fever is a virus and two mosquito species commonly found in Florida- the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, […]

Chikungunya Fever-An Emerging Mosquito Virus of Concern

By: Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400 Source(s): Walter Tabachnick wjt@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 124 Roxanne Connelly crr@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 172 Stephen Higgs sthiggs@utmb.edu, 409-747-2426 View Photo GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; The next mosquito-borne illness in the United States may be chikungunya (“chicken-GUN-ya”) and despite its odd name the viral disease is no laughing matter, University of Florida experts [&#8230;]

<blockquote>By: 
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400
Source(s): 
Walter Tabachnick <a href="mailto:wjt@ufl.edu">wjt@ufl.edu</a>, 772-778-7200 ext. 124 
Roxanne Connelly <a href="mailto:crr@ufl.edu">crr@ufl.edu</a>, 772-778-7200 ext. 172 
Stephen Higgs <a href="mailto:sthiggs@utmb.edu">sthiggs@utmb.edu</a>, 409-747-2426</blockquote>
<a title="View Photo" href="http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/newmosquitovirus.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="View Photo" width="128" height="92" class="lazyload" data-src="http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/newmosquitovirus.thumbnail.jpg"> 
View Photo</a>
GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; The next mosquito-borne illness in the United States may be chikungunya (“chicken-GUN-ya”) and despite its odd name the viral disease is no laughing matter, University of Florida experts say.
Though generally not fatal, chikungunya has sickened 1.6 million people in the Indian Ocean region since early 2005 and could be transmitted by two mosquitoes found in the southern United States, said Walter Tabachnick of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“We are at risk,” he said. “Based on the outbreak in the Indian Ocean, I think that pushes chikungunya right to the front as far as mosquito-borne diseases we need to watch out for.”
It’s not possible to predict when a U.S. chikungunya outbreak might occur but experts agree on the likely scenario, said Tabachnick, director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach.
All it takes is an infected person being bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito or a yellow fever mosquito, he said. From there, the virus could be passed to more people, then other mosquitoes.
The name chikungunya comes from a Makonde word meaning “to become contorted,” Tabachnick said. The name refers to a disease symptom, painful joint inflammation resulting in stooped posture. Others, including fever, headache, vomiting and a rash, usually subside in three to five days, but joint pain can last months or years.
The disease can be fatal to the elderly, young children and people with weak immune systems, he said. An outbreak near Madagascar struck a quarter million and killed nearly 1 percent of those infected.
“Medical professionals should be aware (of the disease),” Tabachnick said. “One of the first things they should be asking people who come in with those symptoms is, have they traveled?”
Chikungunya could be difficult to track because the virus doesn’t infect animals commonly found in the United States, he said. This prevents the use of sentinel animals such as chickens, kept outdoors and tested regularly to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases.
“Since no one is going to routinely test bloods in a surveillance program for the virus, the only way you see it is, first a sick person has to report, then someone’s got to diagnose it,” Tabachnick said.
More than two dozen people in the United States have been diagnosed with chikungunya, but none have passed the disease on to mosquitoes, said Roxanne Connelly, a UF associate professor of entomology.
Researchers are particularly concerned about Florida outbreaks because the state has many international visitors, elderly residents and warm weather conducive to mosquito breeding.
Perhaps the best way to reduce chikungunya risk is to reduce Asian tiger mosquito and yellow fever mosquito populations, Connelly said. Homeowners must play a role because both species can breed in tiny bodies of water, even those the size of a bottle cap.
“Trying to get all the little containers – and there can be hundreds in one yard – is not where a mosquito control agency is going to be very effective,” she said. “So you’re talking about individual homeowner responsibility there.”
To help educate the public, Connelly and Tabachnick helped write a fact sheet about the disease, published this week on the UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source system, found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN696.
Chris Mores, an assistant professor of entomology at the Vero Beach lab, is trying to determine how effectively Florida’s mosquito populations could transmit chikungunya.
Few U.S. universities study chikungunya, partly because funding is scarce, said Stephen Higgs, a pathology professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Higgs, who’s studied the disease for several years, said the United States should have been better prepared for the West Nile disease outbreak in 1999.
“There was a tremendous influx of funding for research of vector-borne diseases after the West Nile virus was introduced, but that has diminished,” he said. “We need to maintain expertise in this country.”
-30-

By:
Source(s):
wjt@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 124
crr@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 172
sthiggs@utmb.edu, 409-747-2426



GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The next mosquito-borne illness in the United States may be chikungunya (“chicken-GUN-ya”) and despite its odd name the viral disease is no laughing matter, University of Florida experts say.
Though generally not fatal, chikungunya has sickened 1.6 million people in the Indian Ocean region since early 2005 and could be transmitted by two mosquitoes found in the southern United States, said Walter Tabachnick of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“We are at risk,” he said. “Based on the outbreak in the Indian Ocean, I think that pushes chikungunya right to the front as far as mosquito-borne diseases we need to watch out for.”
It’s not possible to predict when a U.S. chikungunya outbreak might occur but experts agree on the likely scenario, said Tabachnick, director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach.
All it takes is an infected person being bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito or a yellow fever mosquito, he said. From there, the virus could be passed to more people, then other mosquitoes.
The name chikungunya comes from a Makonde word meaning “to become contorted,” Tabachnick said. The name refers to a disease symptom, painful joint inflammation resulting in stooped posture. Others, including fever, headache, vomiting and a rash, usually subside in three to five days, but joint pain can last months or years.
The disease can be fatal to the elderly, young children and people with weak immune systems, he said. An outbreak near Madagascar struck a quarter million and killed nearly 1 percent of those infected.
“Medical professionals should be aware (of the disease),” Tabachnick said. “One of the first things they should be asking people who come in with those symptoms is, have they traveled?”
Chikungunya could be difficult to track because the virus doesn’t infect animals commonly found in the United States, he said. This prevents the use of sentinel animals such as chickens, kept outdoors and tested regularly to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases.
“Since no one is going to routinely test bloods in a surveillance program for the virus, the only way you see it is, first a sick person has to report, then someone’s got to diagnose it,” Tabachnick said.
More than two dozen people in the United States have been diagnosed with chikungunya, but none have passed the disease on to mosquitoes, said Roxanne Connelly, a UF associate professor of entomology.
Researchers are particularly concerned about Florida outbreaks because the state has many international visitors, elderly residents and warm weather conducive to mosquito breeding.
Perhaps the best way to reduce chikungunya risk is to reduce Asian tiger mosquito and yellow fever mosquito populations, Connelly said. Homeowners must play a role because both species can breed in tiny bodies of water, even those the size of a bottle cap.
“Trying to get all the little containers – and there can be hundreds in one yard – is not where a mosquito control agency is going to be very effective,” she said. “So you’re talking about individual homeowner responsibility there.”
To help educate the public, Connelly and Tabachnick helped write a fact sheet about the disease, published this week on the UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source system, found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN696.
Chris Mores, an assistant professor of entomology at the Vero Beach lab, is trying to determine how effectively Florida’s mosquito populations could transmit chikungunya.
Few U.S. universities study chikungunya, partly because funding is scarce, said Stephen Higgs, a pathology professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Higgs, who’s studied the disease for several years, said the United States should have been better prepared for the West Nile disease outbreak in 1999.
“There was a tremendous influx of funding for research of vector-borne diseases after the West Nile virus was introduced, but that has diminished,” he said. “We need to maintain expertise in this country.”
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By: Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400 Source(s): Walter Tabachnick wjt@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 124 Roxanne Connelly crr@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 172 Stephen Higgs sthiggs@utmb.edu, 409-747-2426 View Photo GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The next mosquito-borne illness in the United States may be chikungunya (“chicken-GUN-ya”) and despite its odd name the viral disease is no laughing matter, University of Florida experts […]

New mosquito-borne illness may be headed to United States, UF experts say

Disease Vectors: Invertebrates or non-human vertebrates which transmit infective organisms from one host to another.

Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases

Vectores y enfermedades transmitidas por vectores

Chikungunya (CHIKV) is a virus that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The resulting illness is also called chikungunya. Chikungunya outbreaks have been reported from India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Travel and globalization increase the possibility of epidemic outbreaks in other regions around the globe, wherever the mosquitoes capable of transmitting CHIKV are found. The mosquito species Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are good vectors and well-established in Florida. In the event of an outbreak, mosquito control and public health agencies in Florida need knowledge of populations, where they are produced, and hot spots with large populations that could be easily targeted for control. Good sources of information about the disease in humans are <a href="http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/chikungunya/index.html">FloridaHealth</a>, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/">CDC</a>, and <a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chikungunya.html">Medline Plus</a>.
<h2>UF/IFAS Resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://mosquito.ifas.ufl.edu/Index.htm">Florida Medical Entomology Lab website</a></li>
</ul>

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El chikungunya (CHIKV) es un virus que puede ser transmitido a los humanos por los mosquitos. La enfermedad resultante tambi&eacute;n se llama chikungunya. Se ha informado sobre brotes de chikungunya en India, &Aacute;frica y el sudeste asi&aacute;tico. Los viajes y la globalizaci&oacute;n aumentan la posibilidad de brotes epid&eacute;micos en otras regiones del mundo dondequiera que se encuentren los mosquitos capaces de transmitir el CHIKV. La especie de mosquito Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus son buenos vectores y est&aacute;n bien establecidos en Florida. En el caso de un brote, las agencias de control de mosquitos y de salud p&uacute;blica en Florida necesitan conocer las poblaciones, d&oacute;nde se producen y los puntos cr&iacute;ticos con grandes poblaciones que podr&iacute;an ser f&aacute;cilmente objetivo de control. Buenas fuentes de informaci&oacute;n sobre la enfermedad en humanos son <a href="http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/chikungunya/index.html">FloridaHealth</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/">CDC</a>, y&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chikungunya.html">Medline Plus</a>.
<h2>UF/IFAS Resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://mosquito.ifas.ufl.edu/Index.htm">Florida Medical Entomology Lab website</a></li>
</ul>

Chikungunya Fever

Fiebre Chikungunya

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By Thares2020 via Adobe Stock. Generated with AI.

Chikungunya Fever

UF/IFAS Resources

Publications

Chikungunya

UF/IFAS expert shares pest control tips for hurricane season

Chikungunya Fever-An Emerging Mosquito Virus of Concern

New mosquito-borne illness may be headed to United States, UF experts say