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Hillsborough County, Florida, has declared a state of local emergency as locally acquired dengue fever cases continue to rise, with approximately 170 infections reported in the county. The outbreak has prompted increased mosquito-control efforts across the Tampa Bay region.

The emergency declaration, signed by Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise on September 24, comes as health officials work to slow the spread of dengue fever and reduce populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus.

According to the latest Florida Department of Health data, Hillsborough County has reported 170 locally acquired dengue cases, making it the center of the current outbreak in Florida. (Hillsborough County Florida)

Hillsborough County Declares Local State of Emergency

The Hillsborough County emergency order took effect September 24 and is initially in effect for seven days. County officials can rescind or extend the declaration depending on how the situation develops.

The declaration gives county administrators and emergency managers additional flexibility to respond quickly to the outbreak. It can also provide a pathway for reimbursement of certain emergency-response expenses. (Hillsborough County Florida)

The emergency declaration comes as neighboring Pasco and Pinellas counties have also taken emergency measures related to the growing dengue threat.

Together, the three counties are coordinating mosquito-control and public-health efforts because mosquitoes do not recognize county boundaries.

Dengue Cases Continue to Increase

The latest state data released September 24 showed that the Tampa Bay region had reported 169 locally acquired dengue cases as of September 19, including 160 cases in Hillsborough County, seven in Pinellas County and two in Pasco County.

Hillsborough subsequently reported additional cases, bringing the county’s reported total to approximately 170. (Tampa Bay Times)

Hillsborough recorded 36 additional locally acquired infections during the week of September 13–19 alone, according to the latest state report.

Officials say the numbers may change as additional infections are identified and confirmed.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a viral infection primarily spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

The mosquitoes become infected when they bite someone carrying the virus. They can then transmit dengue to another person through subsequent bites.

Dengue is common in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, but locally acquired transmission can occasionally occur in the United States. The current outbreak in the Tampa Bay area is particularly significant because most dengue infections historically reported in the U.S. have been associated with international travel or occurred in places such as Puerto Rico. (AP News)

What Are the Symptoms of Dengue?

Many people infected with dengue experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble a severe flu-like illness.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Bone pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

Dengue is sometimes called “break-bone fever” because of the intense muscle, joint and bone pain that some patients experience.

Most people recover, but a small percentage of patients can develop severe dengue. Warning signs can include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms, particularly as the fever begins to decline. (Fox 13 News)

Anyone experiencing potentially serious symptoms should seek medical attention.

Why Mosquito Control Is Critical

Hillsborough County has increased mosquito-control operations in response to the outbreak.

Officials are using surveillance, ground treatments and aerial mosquito-control operations in areas where dengue activity has been identified. Treatment efforts have included portions of South Tampa, East Tampa, Seminole Heights, Bloomingdale and Riverview. (WUSF)

However, officials emphasize that professional mosquito control alone cannot eliminate the risk.

Residents also need to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sites around their homes.

Eliminate Standing Water

The mosquitoes that transmit dengue can breed in surprisingly small amounts of standing water.

Residents should regularly check for:

• Buckets and containers
• Flowerpots and saucers
• Children’s toys
• Pet dishes
• Bird baths
• Clogged gutters
• Old tires
• Pool covers
• Other containers that collect rainwater

Even a relatively small amount of water can provide a breeding location for Aedes mosquitoes. (WUSF)

How Residents Can Protect Themselves

Health officials recommend taking steps to reduce mosquito bites, particularly in areas experiencing increased dengue activity.

Recommended precautions include:

Use insect repellent. Repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone can help protect against mosquito bites. (WUSF)

Wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes can reduce exposed skin.

Remove standing water. Inspect yards and outdoor areas frequently and empty containers that collect water.

Maintain pools properly. Keep swimming pools chlorinated and covered when appropriate.

Report mosquito problems. Residents should contact local mosquito-control authorities when they identify significant mosquito activity or potential breeding areas.

A Regional Tampa Bay Public Health Concern

Hillsborough County’s emergency declaration is part of a broader response across the Tampa Bay region.

Pasco County declared its own local emergency earlier in the week, while Pinellas County followed with an emergency declaration on September 24. Officials say regional cooperation is important because people travel between counties even though mosquito populations generally remain relatively localized. (WUSF)

The outbreak has also resulted in a confirmed dengue-related death in Hillsborough County this year, highlighting the potential seriousness of the disease even though severe illness remains less common than mild or asymptomatic infection. (Tampa Bay Times)

What Happens Next?

For now, Hillsborough County is focusing on mosquito surveillance, targeted spraying, public education and eliminating breeding areas.

The local state of emergency is initially limited to seven days, meaning officials will evaluate the situation as new information becomes available and can extend or rescind the order. (Hillsborough County Florida)

For residents, the message from health officials is straightforward: reduce mosquito exposure and eliminate standing water wherever possible.

The rise in locally acquired dengue cases is an important reminder that mosquito-borne diseases remain a public-health concern in Florida. While government agencies can conduct surveillance and mosquito-control operations, preventing additional transmission also depends on residents taking precautions around their own homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dengue cases are in Hillsborough County?
Approximately 170 locally acquired dengue cases have been reported in Hillsborough County as of September 25, 2026.

Why did Hillsborough County declare a state of emergency?
County officials declared a local state of emergency to provide additional flexibility and resources for responding to the growing dengue outbreak and controlling mosquito populations. (Hillsborough County Florida)

How is dengue spread?
Dengue is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Can dengue be prevented?
There is no guarantee of prevention, but reducing mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites can significantly reduce exposure.

What are the main symptoms of dengue?
Fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rash are among the common symptoms.

Final Thoughts

The Hillsborough County dengue outbreak is an evolving public-health situation. With cases reaching approximately 170 locally acquired infections, officials are escalating mosquito-control efforts and encouraging residents to take precautions.

For people living in or visiting the Tampa Bay region, simple actions such as eliminating standing water, using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

As officials continue monitoring the outbreak, residents should follow updates from the Florida Department of Health and Hillsborough County for the latest information.