TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued an advisory for mosquito-borne illness on Tuesday.

The arbovirus dengue has been detected in cases connected with international travel, according to the department, adding that the risk to the general public is low.

Hillsborough County Mosquito Control and DOH-Hillsborough are continuing to monitor the situation.

DOH-Hillsborough is reminding people to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

The department recommends using the “Drain and Cover” methods:

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

  • DRAIN water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent.

  • Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • Check and repair screens on doors and windows. Keep them closed and use air conditioning when possible.

The department also says to ensure that window screens are in good condition in order to reduce the chance of finding mosquitoes inside.

DOH-Hillsborough offers the following tips on repellent use:

  • Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5%. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin. Some sports clothing and gear come pretreated with permethrin.
  • Use insect repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on exposed skin and clothing. EPA's helpful search tool can help you find the product that best suits your needs.
  • Follow instructions on the product label, especially if you're applying it to children.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
  • Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children and do not use repellents with DEET on babies younger than 2 months or oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3 years old.
  • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.