Pasco County in Florida has declared a seven-day local state of emergency over dengue fever, giving officials additional powers as mosquito-borne infections rise across the Tampa Bay region.
The declaration, issued by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, 23 September, allows the county administrator and emergency management director to waive normal procedures where necessary to protect public health and safety. It can be lifted sooner if officials decide the emergency is no longer required. ([cityofportrichey.gov](https://www.cityofportrichey.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/82?utm_source=openai))
The move follows two confirmed dengue cases in Pasco County and comes amid a wider outbreak centred on neighbouring Hillsborough County, where more than 130 infections have been recorded. Pinellas County has reported seven cases, while doctors at Tampa General Hospital estimate they have treated more than 100 patients.
Dengue fever emergency response
Pasco County is supporting the Pasco County Mosquito Control District and the Florida Department of Health in efforts to limit transmission. Residents have been urged to follow the “Drain and Cover” advice by removing standing water and covering exposed skin when outdoors.
The county is also assisting the response in Hillsborough, providing specialised aerial treatment designed to reach mosquito breeding areas around homes and other structures. Hillsborough County officials said the regional operation had been expanded as dengue virus activity was detected in mosquitoes across several neighbourhoods. ([hcfl.gov](https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2026/09/16/all-hands-on-deck-hillsborough-county-ramps-up-dengue-response?utm_source=openai))
Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Health officials have described the current increase in Hillsborough County as unusual and have urged residents to take precautions, particularly during time spent outdoors. ([floridahealth.gov](https://www.floridahealth.gov/2026/09/04/florida-surgeon-general-reminds-floridians-to-take-precautions-against-dengue-ahead-of-labor-day-weekend/?utm_source=openai))
Symptoms can include fever, nausea, pain behind the eyes and intense muscle, joint and bone pain. The illness is sometimes known as “break-bone fever” because of the severity of the aches.
Dr Kartik Cherabuddi, chief hospital epidemiology officer at Tampa General Hospital, said the most serious warning signs could appear as the fever began to subside.
“If you have severe abdominal pain, persistently throwing up, bleeding from the gums or other sites, difficulty breathing — and critically, that’s when the fever starts to go down — that’s when you absolutely have to go to the ER,” he said.
Florida health officials say roughly one in four people infected with dengue develop symptoms, while about one in 20 symptomatic patients go on to develop severe disease. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms has been advised to seek urgent medical attention.
