Tampa Bay Leads Florida’s Dengue Outbreak With 95 Cases

Tampa Bay Is Becoming the Center of Florida’s Dengue Outbreak

By Siri Alexander
Published by WHH Media Company

Watch: Why Dengue Cases Are Climbing Across Tampa Bay

FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports on rising dengue cases across the region.

What does it mean when nearly nine out of every 10 locally acquired dengue cases reported in Florida are connected to one Tampa Bay county?

Florida health officials reported 111 locally acquired dengue cases statewide through September 5, 2026. Hillsborough County accounted for 95 of them, or about 86 percent of the state total. Pinellas County reported five cases, while Pasco County reported two.

The figures come from the Florida Department of Health’s Week 35 mosquito-borne illness report.

What “locally acquired” means

A locally acquired case means the person was infected in Florida rather than while traveling elsewhere. Dengue spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person. It does not normally spread through everyday contact between people.

State health officials also identified 16 mosquito pools in Hillsborough County that tested positive for dengue virus type 2. A positive mosquito pool means a collected group of mosquitoes tested positive. It does not mean every mosquito in the area carries the virus.

Why mosquito-control helicopters are flying

Hillsborough County expanded mosquito-control efforts as the number of cases climbed. Bay News 9 reported that helicopters were being used for aerial treatment in targeted areas, alongside ground operations and neighborhood monitoring.

The response is designed to reduce adult mosquito populations and interrupt transmission. Treatment does not eliminate every mosquito, which is why officials continue to ask residents to remove standing water around their homes.

Symptoms residents should recognize

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four people infected with dengue becomes sick. Common symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rash.

Most people recover within one to two weeks, but dengue can become severe. Anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, unusual tiredness or restlessness should seek medical care immediately.

What Tampa Bay residents can do

Empty standing water from buckets, planters, toys, gutters and other containers.
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow the label directions.
Wear long sleeves and pants when practical.
Repair damaged window and door screens.
Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop, especially after mosquito exposure.

Tampa Bay is not facing a reason for panic, but the concentration of cases in Hillsborough County is a reason to pay attention. The most useful response is straightforward: know the symptoms, reduce mosquito breeding sites and follow updates from public-health officials.

Sources and Reporting Credits

Image credit: Source mosquito photograph supplied by Siri Alexander; original photographer or source to be confirmed. Graphic treatment created for WHH Media Company with AI assistance.