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Dengue fever: Locally acquired cases surge to 65 across Bay Area
FOX 13 Tampa Bay • • health
Key Points:
- Locally acquired dengue fever cases in Florida have surged to 73 statewide through August 29, with 65 cases concentrated in the Tampa Bay area across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, marking a significant increase from earlier reports.
- Hillsborough County is the primary hotspot with 59 cases all identified as dengue virus serotype DENV-2; mosquito pools testing positive for DENV-2 have been found, primarily involving Aedes aegypti mosquitoes known to transmit dengue.
- Mosquito control agencies in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties have intensified efforts including aerial and ground spraying, fogging, and door-to-door inspections to reduce mosquito breeding sites and control the outbreak.
- Health officials emphasize preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using EPA-recommended insect repellents, and eliminating standing water around homes to limit mosquito breeding and reduce dengue transmission.
- Dengue symptoms include fever, severe muscle and joint pain, and rash; residents experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical advice and report possible mosquito exposure to healthcare providers.
