FL Officials Warn Of Potential Fatal Mosquito Virus, Will Disney Be Affected?

In 2020, the Walt Disney World theme parks shut down for a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, a new fatal mosquito-borne virus has hit Florida, and health officials are warning residents after five cases of dengue fever were reported this month.

Dengue is a viral infection, which is mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates, and mostly in urban or semi-urban areas. The virus is transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes that have bitten a person infected with the virus. According to The Washington Post, "Dengue causes illness in about 1 in 4 infected people and typically leads to symptoms including fever, nausea, headaches, vomiting, muscle and joint pain."

Their report also stated that "about 1 in 20 develop more severe symptoms, including internal bleeding, shock, and organ failure."

The good news is that many cases of dengue — also known as breakbone fever — are mild or even asymptomatic, however, severe cases can be fatal.

It is important to note that "although about half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue, most U.S. states see little to no locally acquired cases," according to the World Health Organization. "Most U.S. cases are either brought in by travelers to the continental United States or occur in the U.S. territories. The WHO has warned that global warming could prompt record numbers of infections worldwide," their report continued.

“It is rare for individuals who are infected to die, but it does happen,” Derek Cummings, an infectious-disease epidemiologist at the University of Florida, said in an email.

Dengue is becoming more well-known in the United States, specifically in states such as Hawaii and Florida, as 513 total cases have been noted so far this year.

The virus is spread more in states like Florida due to climate change. “Climate change is increasing the range of suitable habitat for the Aedes species of mosquito that transmit dengue and is increasing the transmissibility of dengue in those places where the mosquito is already present,” said Cummings, the University of Florida epidemiologist.

The good news is that Dengue does not typically cause death, however, there are some cases where it can, much like the world saw with COVID-19. Dengue fever is not common in the United States, however, cases are continuing to pop up slowly as these mosquitos are attracted to the hot climate that surrounds Disney World.

Additionally, Disney World puts in massive efforts into keeping mosquitos out of their theme parks. It is obvious that Florida is surrounded by moist swamp ground, which attracts mosquitos. But, Disney has found a way to keep mosquitos away from their theme parks.

Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing, stagnant water, so Disney decided to get rid of any standing water to help eliminate the bugs from pestering Guests.

Since Disney World is taking actions to eliminate mosquitos from their theme parks and surrounding areas, it is unlikely that the Dengue fever will affect Guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth, however, Florida health officials are still warning residents and visitors of this mosquito-borne virus.