The city worked to clean up and disinfect the area around the boardwalk and sand dunes between 40th and 65th streets after three cases of hookworms were reported at the Carriage House condos.
The three cases, which were confirmed in July and September, came to the attention of the Miami-Dade Department of Health about two weeks ago, prompting city officials to work alongside the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management and DOH to develop a multi-step plan of action to prevent an outbreak.
These actions involved the disinfection of areas where cat feces is frequently detected, which is a carrier of the parasite, and areas where feral cats are frequently fed; as well as educating the public on hookworms and coordinating efforts with The Cat Network to provide spay and neutering services in the area.
While the prevalence of hookworms in cat feces is less than in dog feces, there is a large stray population in the area surrounding the sand dunes and beach, which the city believes is the source of the problem.
Samir Elmir of the Miami-Dade Health Department cautioned beachgoers to wear shoes when walking on the sand and wash before and after entering the water.
"Use sandals to walk on the beach and a towel or blanket to lay on the sand," said Olga Connor, of the Miami-Dade Health Department.
Hookworms cause an itchy rash where the skin comes in contact with contaminated soil.
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