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The Importance of Disease Monitoring Throughout the State and Country

by Jonathon Little, MBA
Director of External Affairs
he Collier Mosquito Control District works to years ago there was a small outbreak just north of us in Sarasota
protect public health and comfort by suppressing County. Disease monitoring is a crucial part of the District’s
T disease-carrying and nuisance mosquito populations integrated pest management plan to ensure that we can respond
using the safest and most cost-effective methods available. A quickly and effectively if any disease is found.
critical part of that mission involves tracking mosquito-borne In addition to tracking reports from public health agencies
illnesses locally, across Florida, throughout the United States, statewide and worldwide, District staff test tens of thousands of
and even worldwide. Monitoring disease activity at every level mosquitoes each week in our laboratory. When testing identifies
helps the District stay informed and prepared to respond here a disease-positive mosquito, the District immediately notifies
at home. the Florida Department of Health and implements targeted
In 2025, Collier County reported seven travel-related treatments and increased surveillance in the surrounding area.
cases of dengue and five travel-related cases of chikungunya. Residents can also help reduce mosquito populations year-
Thankfully, there were no locally-acquired cases. While this round by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
is encouraging news for our community, dengue activity Items such as buckets, tires, and other containers can collect
across Florida remains higher than average. In 2025, the state water and create breeding sites, even during cooler months. By
reported 416 travel-related cases and 62 locally acquired cases regularly emptying these items, residents help protect their own
of dengue. health and comfort. The District also offers resources such as
Most dengue cases in Florida occur in Broward and free mosquitofish to assist residents with mosquito control. More
Miami-Dade counties, both of which border Collier County information about these resources is available at www.cmcd.org.
and serve as major hubs for international travel. This Anyone interested in learning more about the District’s disease
underscores the importance of monitoring mosquito-borne monitoring efforts or touring the laboratory and other facilities can
diseases beyond District boundaries so we can respond quickly request a tour by emailing info@cmcd.org.
if conditions change locally. The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health
Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal, killing up to and well-being of our residents through the safest and most economical
750,000 people a year worldwide. In Collier County, we have means available.
species of mosquitoes that can spread diseases such as malaria.
Even though malaria is rare in the United States, there was
one travel-related case in Collier County last year, and two

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.
To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.
The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available.
If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.

Life in Naples |February 2026 71