From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills prompted Orange County to announce aerial mosquito treatments. Planned coverage included portions of central and south Apopka, Clarcona, Paradise Heights, and areas north of Lake Apopka, with Apopka High School excluded. Residents can check the county’s arbovirus monitoring webpage, social media, and OC Alert notifications for updates on treatment schedules and dengue cases.
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As of October 12, the Florida Department of Health confirmed four locally transmitted cases of dengue fever in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills. Orange County Mosquito Control will spray mosquitoes by air in these areas to reduce the mosquito population and prevent dengue from spreading.
Related: UF study finds dengue-transmitting mosquito species common in residential yards.
Spraying is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Friday, October 16, weather permitting. With thunderstorms possible across Orange County, the county may postpone some or all treatments until 7 p.m. Saturday, October 17.
Residents can stay informed about dengue cases and mosquito spraying schedules by following the county on social media, visiting its arbovirus monitoring webpage, and signing up for free text and email alerts from OC Alert.
Where spraying will take place
Apopka: Treatment areas include portions of central and south Apopka, including:
- Neighborhoods near U.S. Highway 441, Main Street and Park Avenue
- South Apopka and Clarcona
- Paradise Heights
- Areas north of Lake Apopka
Apopka High School will not be in the treatment area.
Pine Hills: Planned treatment areas include residential neighborhoods nearby:
- West Colonial Drive and North Pine Hills Road
- Areas near West Washington Street
- Bel-Aire Woods and Orlo Vista communities
Residents in and around the designated areas may see aircraft flying at low altitudes and making turns while carrying out the treatments.
What residents need to know
County officials say residents do not need to take additional precautions to protect pets, livestock, or gardens. Aerial spraying is a common mosquito control method in Florida, and the materials used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Key Points:
- Five local cases: As of Oct. 12, health officials had confirmed four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills.
- Weather-dependent schedule: Spraying was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 16, with possible postponement until 7 p.m. Oct. 17 because of thunderstorms.
- Apopka treatment areas: Planned coverage included neighborhoods near U.S. 441, Main Street and Park Avenue, along with portions of South Apopka, Clarcona, Paradise Heights and areas north of Lake Apopka.
- School excluded: Apopka High School was outside the designated treatment area; residents nearby could see low-flying aircraft conducting treatments.
- County guidance: Officials said additional precautions were unnecessary for pets, livestock or gardens and directed residents to county channels and OC Alert for updates.
