Florida Counties Declare States of Emergency Amid Dengue Fever Outbreak

Three counties in Florida—Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas—have recently declared states of emergency due to the ongoing spread of dengue fever.

As of September 23, this decision has been made, with official announcements from each county about the rise of this mosquito-borne illness.

These emergency declarations will enable officials to speed up mosquito-control initiatives, make emergency purchases, coordinate their response strategies, and even request state or federal assistance if necessary.

According to Florida law, these local emergency declarations are valid for seven days unless extended.

The Florida Department of Health’s latest report reveals 190 locally acquired dengue cases across six counties, with this data covering instances up to September 19.

Most of these cases—170, to be precise—are in Hillsborough County. The remaining cases include seven in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County, and one in Palm Beach County.

It’s important to note that these local cases differ from travel-associated dengue infections reported in Florida this year.

Dengue is a viral illness carried by mosquitoes, leading to symptoms such as fever, severe aches, nausea, skin rash, and, in rare instances, life-threatening issues, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A spokesperson from the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health emphasized that Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, are active throughout the day and thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate.

As reported dengue cases increase in the Tampa area, the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites cannot be overstated. The expert advised staying informed about local mosquito activity and using protective measures to minimize risks.

Strategies to Curb the Spread

The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has announced that they are intensifying both aerial and ground treatments in regions showing dengue virus activity. They are also inspecting private properties to find potential mosquito breeding spots.

Residents are being encouraged to eliminate or cover standing water around their homes as this is where Aedes mosquitoes breed—often in items that collect even small amounts of water like buckets, plant saucers, and discarded toys.

Experts have shared several recommendations to prevent mosquito-borne diseases:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent: Always follow label instructions for effective use.
• Eliminate standing water around your property: Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to breed.
• Layer repellent and sunscreen correctly: Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
• Protect yourself throughout the day: Don’t just focus on dawn and dusk as Aedes mosquitoes are active at any time during the day.

The FMCA further suggests that people dress in light, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toed shoes while outdoors.

Symptoms and Treatment of Dengue

Many individuals infected with dengue experience no symptoms, and those who do often recover within a week or two, according to the Mayo Clinic.

However, some cases may progress to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically surface four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Warning signs can appear swiftly, sometimes just one or two days after the fever fades. Symptoms could include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and restlessness. Individuals exhibiting these warning signs are urged to seek prompt medical attention.