Central Florida Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles of the Villages
Related Articles
Central Florida is facing something it rarely sees: a growing outbreak of dengue fever spread by local mosquitoes. Florida has recorded nearly 200 locally acquired dengue cases this year, the most on record, with the largest share in the Tampa Bay area. Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have declared local states of emergency, and the Florida Department of Health has raised Orange County’s mosquito-borne illness advisory to an alert for the first time since 2011. Sadly, an elderly Hillsborough County woman has died from the virus.
At Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care, we want our neighbors to know what to watch for and how to stay protected.
What Is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection passed to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which live throughout Florida. These mosquitoes bite mostly during the day and lay eggs in small amounts of standing water around homes. Dengue does not spread directly from person to person, but a mosquito that bites an infected person can carry the virus to others. Recent heavy rains across Central Florida have helped mosquito populations grow.
Symptoms to Watch For
Many people infected with dengue have mild symptoms or none at all. When symptoms appear, they usually start within 3 to 10 days of a bite and can include:
• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache or pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, joint or bone pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Most people recover within about a week. However, some develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. Warning signs often appear just as the fever begins to go away: severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, or feeling extremely tired or restless. If you notice any of these, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away.
Infants, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and anyone who has had dengue before face a higher risk of severe illness.
When to Visit Quick Care Med
If you develop a fever with any of the symptoms above, especially after spending time outdoors or traveling, stop by for an evaluation — no appointment needed. Our providers can assess your symptoms, order testing and help you manage your recovery.
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue, so care focuses on rest, fluids and fever control. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever, and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Stay alert, stay protected, and remember that Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care is here when you need us.
Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care is a comprehensive urgent care clinic with multiple specialties to serve you. Quick Care Med has locations in Marion (Dunnellon and Ocala), Citrus (Crystal River, Inverness, Beverly Hills, and Homosassa), Levy (Williston), & Alachua (Newberry) counties, plus our newest location in Chiefland that provides immediate walk-in treatment to pediatric and adult patients for illnesses and injuries, wellness exams, and employer health services.
At Quick Care Med, they understand that illness and injuries can happen outside of the normal 9 to 5. That’s why they provide Fast, Easy, and Affordable® urgent care with the convenience of extended hours, including weekends and holidays!
Quick Care Offers The QCard—Affordable Healthcare for Just $1 a Day, Ask us How or Visit us Online!
Quick Care Med
Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care
844-797-8425
www.quickcaremed.com
4 Locations in Ocala
3415 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
(On Silver Springs Blvd. across from Publix)
8119 SW State Rd 200, Ocala, FL 3448
(Just past Walgreens)
6341 N US 441, Ocala, FL 34475
(Across from John Deer)
2205 N Young Blvd, Chiefland, FL 32626
