Pasco County officials have declared a local state of emergency due to the growing threat of dengue fever, which has already caused nearly 200 cases and one death in neighboring Hillsborough County. The county has confirmed two human cases and found one mosquito infected with the virus, prompting immediate action to prevent a larger outbreak. Officials are requesting additional state resources for mosquito control efforts, including chemicals and personnel to combat the spread of the disease across the Tampa Bay region. Residents are being advised to check their yards for standing water where mosquitoes breed, while county crews are actively collecting samples and spraying insecticide in high-risk areas. The county is also lending one of its mosquito control helicopters to Hillsborough County to assist with their own efforts, emphasizing that controlling the outbreak requires a coordinated regional response.
Key Points:
- Pasco County has declared a local state of emergency due to the dengue fever threat.
- Nearly 200 dengue cases and one death have been reported in neighboring Hillsborough County.
- Officials have confirmed two human cases and found one mosquito infected with dengue in Pasco County.
