Pinellas County Issues Dengue Alert & Local Emergency

Pinellas County has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert and a state of local emergency for dengue fever following reports of locally acquired cases throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Dengue, a virus transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, is a concern for residents, particularly in areas prone to standing water.

These mosquitoes live near homes and breed in even small amounts of water found in buckets, tires, plant saucers, toys, pet dishes and trash cans. They are active and bite during the day.

Pinellas County Mosquito Control is increasing efforts to reduce mosquito populations and is working with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas.

Residents are urged to follow the DUMP, DRESS, DEFEND strategy: DUMP standing water, DRESS in protective clothing and DEFEND with EPA-approved insect repellent.

“Everyone can help reduce the risk,” Pinellas County stated in a release. “Take a few minutes each week to check your property for standing water and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.”