Florida's moderate climate contributes to outdoor, active lifestyles and attracts visitors from all over the world. As a consequence of our outdoor lifestyle we are more likely to be bitten by ticks and mosquitoes, insects capable of transmitting infections (like West Nile Virus and Ehrlichia) from animals to humans. The mosquito can also transmit infections from one human to another. Fortunately for now these infections are not found in Florida. However with increased tourism, Florida is at potential risk of Malaria from the nearby Caribbean Islands and Jamaica and Yellow Fever from the nearby Caribbean Islands. Our warm weather not only increases our exposure to certain pathogens, but the moist, humid environment provides ideal conditions for the growth of fungae and of a particular health concern is black mold. Florida is also home to many cruise ships and these boats also provide a unique environment for the spread of specific pathogens. Norwalk virus has become very common in recent years among cruise ship passengers
In Florida 1/100 young people is infected with HIV. As HIV destroys the immune system these patients are at increased risk for other infections (like TB and Cryptococcus). In many of Florida’s rural communities tuberculosis, as well as HIV, is on the rise. To make things worse, Florida’s humid environment is ideal for the spread of infections such as Cryptococcus
Florida is also a very active, athletically-oriented state. The crowded environments of locker rooms and use of common soap has led to the recent spread of resistant bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) among many of our young athletes.
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AVIAN INFLUENZA
Florida is the temporary home to many migratory birds. The recent outbreak of avian flu in Asia’s bird population, and well as the large number of tourists attracted to Florida, make our state particularly susceptible to a deadly influenza outbreak.
Q. Am I at risk of developing West Nile Encephalitis?
A. Yes, anyone who goes outdoors, particularly in the early morning and at dusk when mosquitoes feed, is at risk. You can reduce your risk by following the simple guidelines on our mosquito-borne disease page.
Q. What is Erlichia and how do you get this disease?
A. Erlichia is an intracellular bacteria spread by ticks. Usually those who hike or hunt in tick infested areas are at risk. Golfers in Florida have also contracted this disease. Watch out, ticks like to hide out in tall grass. Follow the suggestions on our tick-borne diseases web page to reduce your risk.
Q. I thought tuberculosis was a disease of the past. Do we have this disease in Florida?
A. Yes, tuberculosis is becoming a problem in some of our rural counties. This disease is of greatest danger to patients with HIV infection who have a weakened immune system.
Q. Who should worry about resistant bacteria?
A. Resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are difficult to treat. Although these infections first developed in hospitalized patients, a new strain is now showing up in individuals who never set foot in a hospital. Community-acquired MRSA primarily occurs in atheletes who accidently scrape or cut their skin.
Q. I have heard that fungal infections are on the rise. Is this true and who is at risk?
A. Yes, fungal infections are increasing in frequency. Those with weakened immune systems and who have been treated with powerful antibiotics are at greatest risk. To learn about the symptoms and signs of fungal infections, particularly black mold, please see our black mold web page.
Q. Why should Floridians worry about avian flu?
A. Our state is home to many migratory birds during the winter months. Because avian influenza virus is spreading among wild, as well as domestic birds, Florida is at higher risk than most states for harboring this potentially deadly virus.
Location: http://epi.ufl.edu/human/index.shtml