Pasco and Hillsborough Counties Declare Local States of Emergency Amid Rising Dengue Cases
Pasco and Hillsborough counties issued seven-day emergency orders to accelerate mosquito control measures as dengue fever cases climb and a death is confirmed in the Tampa Bay area.
Pasco County Commissioners approved a local state of emergency to address a surge in dengue fever, granting the county administrator and emergency management director the authority to suspend routine procedures for public safety. The declaration is set for seven days unless lifted earlier.
Michael Cox, commissioner of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, likened the situation to a storm approaching a region without a precise forecast, emphasizing the need for preparedness. Residents are urged to follow "Drain and Cover" practices to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed a similar executive order, also lasting at least seven days, to enable rapid actions for mosquito control and disease prevention. The county is offering a notification service for localized aerial treatments and maintains an online map of treatment locations. Residents can contact the county mosquito management office for more information.
Florida health data show Hillsborough County has reported more than 170 dengue cases, including 36 new cases recorded between Sept. 13 and 19. Pasco County has two confirmed cases and is investigating additional ones, while nearby Pinellas County reported seven cases. Tampa General Hospital has treated over 100 dengue patients.
Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, chief hospital epidemiology officer at Tampa General Hospital, described the illness as causing intense joint, bone and muscle pain, sometimes referred to as "break-bone fever." He warned that about one in four infected individuals develop symptoms, and roughly one in 20 may experience severe disease, highlighting warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, and breathing difficulties that can appear as the fever subsides.
Health officials note that roughly 25% of those bitten by an infected mosquito show symptoms, while the majority remain asymptomatic but can still transmit the virus. High-risk groups include individuals with prior dengue infection, infants, pregnant women, seniors and immunocompromised persons.