Two people in Hillsborough County have contracted dengue fever from mosquitoes within the county, prompting local officials to expand mosquito control efforts and urge residents to eliminate standing water around their homes.
Why it matters: Most dengue cases diagnosed in Tampa Bay are linked to international travel. Officials say these cases are different because neither patient recently traveled, suggesting infected mosquitoes are circulating locally.
County mosquito control crews are focusing response efforts in East Tampa and near Picnic Island in South Tampa, where the cases occurred. Teams will conduct door-to-door outreach, set additional mosquito traps, inspect neighborhoods and apply targeted mosquito treatments to reduce the risk of additional infections.
Health officials say dengue spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and is not spread directly from person to person.
What residents should know
One Hillsborough County resident who contracted dengue told FOX 13 they experienced nearly two weeks of severe flu-like symptoms and required four days of hospitalization.
Symptoms can include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Extreme fatigue
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, particularly after being bitten by mosquitoes, should contact a healthcare provider.
Protecting yourself and others
The cases are a reminder that mosquito-borne diseases can become a public health concern during Florida's rainy season, when frequent storms leave behind standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Officials recommend residents:
- Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, toys and gutters.
- Change pet and bird water frequently.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or another approved active ingredient.
- Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Officials note that even a bottle cap of standing water can produce mosquitoes.
Faster response this season
For the first time, Hillsborough County now has its own helicopters available for aerial adult mosquito treatments, allowing officials to respond more quickly when mosquito-borne illnesses are detected.
Bottom line: With the peak of hurricane season approaching and afternoon storms becoming routine across Tampa Bay, mosquito populations can increase rapidly. Eliminating standing water after heavy rain is one of the simplest steps residents can take to protect themselves and help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.