Hillsborough County has declared a seven-day local state of emergency after reporting 170 locally acquired dengue cases, part of a statewide total of 190. The executive order, effective Sept. 24, authorizes emergency actions and could allow federal reimbursement of response costs. Health officials warn dengue spreads via infected mosquitoes and can cause severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms; treatment centers on symptom management and hydration. Hillsborough is deploying aerial and ground mosquito-control measures and providing resident alerts and online maps of treatments.
Hillsborough Declares Seven-Day Emergency As Dengue Cases Reach 170; Florida Total Hits 190
Florida county declares state of emergency as dengue fever cases reach 170
Hillsborough County officials have declared a seven-day state of local emergency after the county recorded 170 locally acquired dengue fever cases since the current outbreak began. The emergency order, signed by County Administrator Bonnie Wise, took effect immediately on Thursday, Sept. 24, and authorizes emergency measures to protect public health and may allow the county to seek federal reimbursement for eligible response costs.
Outbreak Numbers And Breakdown
State data show 190 dengue infections reported across Florida (this total does not include a separately confirmed case in Polk County announced Thursday morning). Hillsborough accounts for the vast majority of the statewide total. Related reporting indicates the first dengue death was confirmed in Hillsborough County.
County Case Breakdown (By Serotype / Unknown / Total):
- Hillsborough — DENV-2: 154, DENV-3: 0, Unknown: 16 (Total: 170)
- Miami-Dade — DENV-2: 4, DENV-3: 2, Unknown: 1 (Total: 7)
- Orange — DENV-2: 1, DENV-3: 0, Unknown: 2 (Total: 3)
- Palm Beach — DENV-2: 1, DENV-3: 0, Unknown: 0 (Total: 1)
- Pasco — DENV-2: 2, DENV-3: 0, Unknown: 0 (Total: 2)
- Pinellas — DENV-2: 7, DENV-3: 0, Unknown: 0 (Total: 7)
State Totals: DENV-2: 169; DENV-3: 2; Unknown: 19. Overall Total: 190.
What Residents Should Know
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms such as fever, body aches, rash and nausea typically appear about two weeks after a bite. More severe warning signs include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or bleeding from the nose or gums; these may indicate severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining proper hydration. Prevention is the primary strategy: individuals in areas with frequent dengue transmission may be eligible for vaccination and should consult their health care provider. Local public-health measures — including mosquito trapping, source reduction, and insecticide applications — are key to reducing transmission.
County Response And How To Stay Informed
Hillsborough County is actively deploying mosquito traps and conducting aerial and ground control operations to curb mosquito populations. The county encourages residents to sign up for notifications about localized aerial treatments and to consult the county's online resources to view treatment locations.
For more information on mosquito control services, residents can contact Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at (813) 635-5400.
Note: Public health guidance can change as the situation develops. Residents should follow official county and state health updates for the latest advisories.
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