Current Hazards

Preparedness and response requires the department to prepare for many types of hazards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies hazards into several categories: Biological, Chemical, Radiation, Mass Casualties, and Natural Disasters and Severe Weather.

Aquatic Toxins can be health nuisances. They can cause breathing problems, and eye, nose and skin irritations. Your best plan of action is to stay away from these temporary, and naturally-occurring, blooms. 

Coronavirus - The World Health Organization made an announcement Feb. 11 that the official name for the illness caused by the new coronavirus (previously known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is now COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the current outbreak and is actively working to ensure that the most up-to-date CDC guidance is quickly and accurately disseminated to local partners. Additional Resources for COVID-19:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• WHO (World Health Organization)
• IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America)
• FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)

Extreme Heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In most of the United States, extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Check out these Flood Safety Tips from the CDC.

Hepatitis A is caused by contagious virus that infects the liver, and can lead to serious liver problems. There is a vaccine that prevents the virus.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease.
Although it is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.

Wildfires can occur anywhere and can destroy homes,
businesses, infrastructure, natural resources, and agriculture. Preparing for a wildfire explains how to protect yourself
and your property. Check out the Florida Forest Service Active Wildfire Points Dashboard for the current location of wildfires in the state.

Zika fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus similar to those that cause dengue and West Nile virus infection. It has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean since 2015. Outbreaks have previously been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Local transmission has been reported in Puerto Rico, but not elsewhere in the United States. Cases of Zika fever have been reported in travelers returning to the United States.