As cases surge in Hillsborough County, staff with the City of Tampa are going door-to-door to warn neighbors of the risks of dengue
TAMPA, Fla. — City of Tampa staff are going door-to-door Friday in several neighborhoods as a dengue outbreak continues in Hillsborough County.
According to the Florida Department of Health, 259 of Florida’s 296 dengue cases this year have been reported in the county.
Tampa staff and the Florida Department of Health are canvassing areas where cases have been reported, including Southeast Seminole Heights, North Hyde Park, West Tampa, Forest Hills and Sulphur Springs.
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Teams are providing residents with information about dengue symptoms, ways to reduce infection risk, and what to do if symptoms develop.
The city says the outreach is part of a wider effort to reduce mosquito breeding. Tampa’s Neighborhood Enhancement Department has increased removal of illegally dumped tires and is working with businesses to eliminate items that can collect standing water.
According to the city, crews have removed 23 tons of tires over the past three months and are monitoring 85 locations. Two locations have received citations.
Hillsborough Mosquito Control is regularly conducting aerial spraying in another effort to limit mosquito reproduction.
The effort comes as more rain is expected across the Tampa Bay area, which can lead to more standing water where mosquitoes breed.