Florida Counties Declare State of Emergency Amid Dengue Fever Outbreak
Three counties in Florida have declared states of emergency as the number of locally acquired dengue fever cases rises to 190.
Three Florida counties have declared states of emergency due to the spread of dengue fever, with Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties issuing the declarations as of September 23. These measures allow local officials to expedite mosquito control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts, and seek state or federal assistance.
According to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance report, which covered cases with onset through September 19, a total of 190 locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed across six Florida counties. Hillsborough County has reported the majority of these cases, with 170 infections. Seven cases each were reported in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County, and one in Palm Beach County. These locally acquired infections are in addition to travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, and rash. In rare cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications. The Aedes mosquito, which can transmit the disease, is active during the day and thrives in warm, humid environments, making Florida a suitable habitat.
"As dengue cases continue to be reported in the Tampa area, taking steps to help prevent mosquito bites is especially important," an entomologist spokesperson at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health stated. "Staying aware of local mosquito activity and consistently protecting against bites are important steps people can take to help reduce their risk."
In response to the outbreak, the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has increased aerial and ground treatments in areas with dengue virus activity and is inspecting properties for mosquito breeding sites. The FMCA is advising residents to eliminate or cover sources of standing water around their homes, as container-breeding mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of water found in buckets, planters, and discarded items.
Residents are also advised to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing when outdoors, and ensure proper application of sunscreen and repellent. The Aedes mosquito's daytime activity means precautions should be taken throughout the day, not just at dawn and dusk.
Symptoms of dengue typically appear four to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people recover within one to two weeks, some may develop severe dengue, a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs for severe dengue include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness, and unusual bleeding or bruising.