Mosquito Control Helicopter Flying Over Wetlands in Tampa, Florida Credit: Bill McKeon/Shutterstock
This afternoon, Hillsborough County officials declared a state of emergency due to rising cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever.
The order, which was signed by Hillsborough County administrator Bonnie Wise, allows the county to take emergency measures and opens up the possibility of federal reimbursement for certain expenses.
The order takes effect immediately and lasts for seven days unless it is rescinded or extended.
According to the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida currently has 392 reported cases of dengue fever, and 169 of those cases are in Tampa Bay.
The majority of dengue cases in Tampa Bay are in Hillsborough County. According to the Florida Department of Health, 160 dengue fever cases are in Hillsborough, seven in Pinellas and two are in Pasco counties as of Sept. 19.
Hillsborough is just the latest to declare a state of emergency due to the tropical disease. Pinellas County also declared a state of emergency on Thursday, and Pasco declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, a Hillsborough County woman died as a result of dengue fever. She was the first known person to die as a result of dengue fever in the state this year, and the first fatality from the disease in almost a century in the Tampa Bay region.
“Residents can sign up to be notified of where localized aerial treatments are occurring in their neighborhood,” the county said. “Hillsborough County also maintains an online resource for residents to view where treatments are occurring.”
For other information on mosquito management, call Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at (813) 635-5400.
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This article appears in Sept. 24 – 30, 2026.
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