Pinellas County Declares Local Emergency Over Rising Dengue Fever and West Nile Virus Concerns

Pinellas County declared a state of local emergency, granting County Administrator Barry A. Burton immediate authority to approve expenditures for mosquito control. This declaration came as the county grapples with rising concerns over dengue fever and increased West Nile virus activity. The emergency status also positions the county for potential reimbursement from state funding, should the governor make it available.

As of the Florida Department of Health’s (FDOH) report issued on September 24, Pinellas County had seven confirmed cases of dengue fever. The broader Tampa Bay region, encompassing Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties, collectively reported 179 confirmed dengue cases. Additionally, Pinellas County observed increased West Nile virus activity in its sentinel chicken coops, which serves as an early warning for potential human transmission.

Pinellas County Mosquito Control has escalated its efforts to reduce mosquito populations across the county. Crews are currently conducting door-to-door visits in treatment areas, offering to assist residents in identifying and treating potential mosquito breeding sites. Staff members wear Pinellas County uniforms and ID badges, and only enter properties with resident approval. Residents can view an online treatment map for completed and planned treatments.

Officials urge residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and the community. These include eliminating standing water around properties, dressing in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes when outdoors, and using insect repellents with CDC-recommended ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. For the latest information, residents can visit Pinellas.gov/mosquito, and for details on dengue fever, Pinellas.gov/dengue. Anyone suspecting a mosquito-borne illness should contact the FDOH in Pinellas County at (727) 824-6932 immediately.