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Helicopters spray Tampa neighborhoods as dengue cases climb
Spectrum Bay News 9 • • health
Key Points:
- Hillsborough and Pasco counties are collaborating to combat a rise in dengue fever cases in the Tampa Bay area, with at least 59 infections reported in Hillsborough County this year, according to the Florida Department of Health.
- Nighttime helicopter pesticide applications are being conducted regularly, focusing on central Tampa and surrounding neighborhoods, using ultra-low volume (ULV) spray to minimize environmental impact.
- Pasco County has joined the efforts with a specialized helicopter spraying method proven effective against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary dengue vector, aiming to interrupt the mosquito life cycle over several weeks.
- Officials emphasize that the pesticide targets mosquitoes specifically and avoids harming other insects like bees, and residents are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed during spraying.
- Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding sites by regularly emptying standing water from containers such as pet bowls, buckets, toys, and gutters to help control the mosquito population.
