Pasco County officials have declared a local state of emergency to address the growing threat of dengue fever in the Tampa Bay area. The declaration, which lasts for seven days unless rescinded, empowers county administrators to waive standard procedures and focus on public safety measures. This action comes as neighboring counties like Hillsborough and Pinellas report significant increases in mosquito-borne infections, with one confirmed death already impacting the region. County leaders are urging surrounding jurisdictions to adopt similar emergency protocols to effectively manage the regional health crisis. Health experts describe dengue fever as causing severe pain, earning it the nickname “break-bone fever” due to intense body aches that frequently lead patients to emergency rooms. Officials recommend residents follow “Drain and Cover” principles to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reduce transmission risks within communities.
Key Points:
- Pasco County declared a local state of emergency that lasts for seven days unless rescinded earlier
- Hillsborough County has recorded more than 130 dengue cases representing 88% of the state’s total infections
- About one in four infected people develop illness with roughly one in 20 symptomatic patients developing severe disease
- Symptoms begin two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include severe joint, bone, and muscle pain
