Three Florida counties have declared states of emergency in response to the spread of dengue fever. As of September 23, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County have made the declarations due to the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
The local emergency declarations allow county officials to expedite mosquito-control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts, and seek state or federal assistance or reimbursement if necessary. Under Florida law, local emergency declarations expire after seven days unless they are renewed.
According to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance report, a total of 190 locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed across six Florida counties. Of these, 170 were reported in Hillsborough County, with seven cases each in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County, and one in Palm Beach County.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. The Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida. The Florida Mosquito Control Association is increasing aerial and ground treatments in areas showing dengue virus activity and urging residents to empty or cover standing water around their homes to prevent the spread of the disease.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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