Dengue Cases Surge in Tampa Bay; Pasco County Mosquito Control Urges Precautions Amidst 30 Hillsborough Cases

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) issued an urgent warning on August 27, 2026, advising residents across the greater Tampa Bay region to take immediate precautions against mosquito bites. This alert followed a significant increase in locally acquired dengue fever cases.

Florida Department of Health arbovirus surveillance data shows 30 confirmed locally-acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County, three in Pinellas County, and one in Citrus County. PCMCD is also investigating a dengue case involving a Pasco County resident to determine the exposure location.

Adriane Rogers, Executive Director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, emphasized that dengue transmission represents a regional public health concern. She noted the interconnectedness of communities, with thousands of people commuting between Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties for work, school, and other activities. This means mosquito-borne disease activity in one community can affect the entire region.

Dengue is caused by a virus primarily transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water commonly found around homes and businesses. Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services identified dengue-positive Aedes aegypti mosquito pools in Hillsborough County, indicating active transmission.

Residents should take several steps to protect themselves. Regularly drain standing water from flowerpots, buckets, toys, birdbaths, pool covers, gutters, and other containers at least weekly. Use EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and shoes with socks when outdoors, especially during the day and at night. Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Residents should also check their yards and properties for small containers or items that can hold water and report mosquito problems to their local mosquito control agency.

PCMCD routinely conducts mosquito surveillance and control operations across its 765-square-mile service area. The District coordinates its response with public health partners and evaluates surveillance data, disease activity, and operational needs. Rogers stated, "This is the time for vigilance, not panic. Dengue is a serious mosquito-borne disease, but there are meaningful steps every resident can take to reduce their risk." She added that mosquito control works best when residents, travelers, businesses, healthcare providers, and public health agencies collaborate. Residents can visit www.pascomosquito.org or call 727-376-4568 for more information.