Tampa, FL – Three Tampa Bay counties have declared local emergencies as officials respond to the regional spread of dengue fever.
Pinellas County commissioners approved an emergency declaration Thursday, joining Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The declarations allow local leaders to approve mosquito control spending more quickly, request additional personnel and equipment, and seek reimbursement if state or federal funding becomes available.
The Pinellas order gives County Administrator Barry A. Burton authority to expedite expenditures related to mosquito control. Florida Department of Health data released Sept. 24 showed seven confirmed cases in Pinellas County and 179 cases across Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
Pinellas officials also reported increased West Nile virus activity in sentinel chicken coops, which are used to monitor mosquito-borne diseases and identify potential transmission risks.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed that county’s emergency order Thursday. Pasco County issued its declaration one day earlier after reporting two dengue cases, with additional cases under investigation. A mosquito sample collected in Pasco also tested positive for the virus.
Mosquito control agencies have expanded surveillance and treatment operations across the region. The response includes truck and aerial applications targeting adult mosquitoes and larvae. Pinellas crews are also visiting properties near treatment areas to identify breeding sites and offer assistance with residents’ permission.
Health officials are asking residents to empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, toys and other outdoor containers. They also recommend using registered insect repellent and wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs while outside.
Dengue is transmitted through infected mosquito bites and can cause fever, headaches, body pain, nausea and rashes.