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Pinellas County extends State of Local Emergency for dengue fever

Under authority delegated by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton today extended the State of Local Emergency related to the mosquito-borne spread of dengue fever until Oct. 8.

The BCC adopted a resolution declaring the emergency on Sept. 24. It recognizes the serious threat mosquito-borne illnesses pose to Pinellas County residents and grants the County Administrator authority to quickly approve expenditures related to mosquito control. It allows for potential reimbursement if state funding becomes available.

According to the Florida Department of Health’s (FDOH) latest report dated Sept. 24, Pinellas County has had seven confirmed cases of dengue since August. The Tampa Bay region has had 179 confirmed cases across Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Pinellas County has also detected increased West Nile virus activity in its sentinel chicken flocks, an early warning of potential human transmission.

Pinellas County Mosquito Control continues its elevated response to reduce mosquito populations across the county. Completed and planned truck and aerial treatments can be found on the County’s online treatment map.

In treatment areas, crews are going door to door to help residents, and with their permission, treat standing water that can become potential mosquito breeding areas. Crews will wear Pinellas County uniforms and ID badge. Residents are encouraged to allow trained crews access to help protect their families and communities.

Everyone can take precautions to protect themselves and their communities.

  • Dump out any standing water around their property once per week.
  • Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes when outside.
  • Defend themselves using an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

For the latest information, visit Pinellas.gov/mosquito. For details about dengue fever, how the virus spreads and more, visit Pinellas.gov/dengue.

If you believe you have a mosquito-borne illness, please contact the FDOH in Pinellas County at (727) 824-6932.