mosquito-borne illness

Scientists are watching mosquito breeding levels after a record hot summer amid concern more tropical heat could mean more illness.

A mosquito-borne illness alert for malaria in Sarasota and Manatee counties was lifted this week, but “that doesn't mean we're out of the water” as the storm's rains have increased breeding areas.

The case involves the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which can cause more severe illness than the P. vivax strain found this summer in Florida.

There have been 10 cases in South Florida this year. Eight in Miami-Dade and two in Broward.

Extreme heat or flooding may not be to blame for Sarasota's malaria outbreak, but scientists say changing weather patterns could still increase risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

After a rough five days in the hospital, Hannah Heath says she's working to protect her family from mosquito-borne diseases. She encourages others to follow guidance from health officials.

In addition, the year's third case of dengue was confirmed in Miami-Dade. Sarasota, Manatee and Miami-Dade counties are under a mosquito-borne illness alert.

Hillsborough County has seen four travel-related malaria cases this year, but none acquired locally. Still, things are busy for employees working to prevent mosquito-borne diseases this rainy season.

Polk County is working to make sure the odds of malaria spreading northward from Sarasota are as low as possible.

Six people in the county have contracted the disease in recent weeks from mosquitoes in the area, officials say. The state remains under a mosquito-borne illness alert.