Pasco County has declared a state of emergency after health officials confirmed three locally transmitted cases of dengue fever. The emergency declaration was issued on Wednesday following the first two cases, and the number has now risen to three. This designation grants county administrators and emergency management directors immediate authority to waive standard operational procedures to protect public safety. Health officials are urging residents to eliminate mosquito breeding environments by following Drain and Cover principles, which include removing standing water and using protective clothing. Medical professionals describe dengue fever as break-bone fever due to the intense body aches that often bring patients to emergency rooms. Approximately 75% of people bitten by infected mosquitoes remain asymptomatic but can still spread the virus to others. High-risk groups include infants, pregnant women, adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals, and those previously infected with dengue.
Key Points:
- Pasco County issued a seven-day emergency declaration following two confirmed locally transmitted dengue fever cases.
- The number of locally contracted dengue fever cases has now risen to three since the emergency declaration.
- Only about 25% of people bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms, while 75% remain asymptomatic but can still spread the virus.
