Pinellas County officials are increasing mosquito-control efforts as the number of confirmed dengue fever cases across the Tampa Bay region has reached 102.
The cases across the region involve a combination of travel-related and locally transmitted infections, with some potentially associated with cases in neighboring counties.
Pinellas County remains under a mosquito-borne illness alert issued by the Florida Department of Health.
Pinellas County Public Works Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health are actively working on open cases. Mosquito Control crews are conducting ground inspections, setting traps and performing targeted treatments, including fogging around dawn in affected areas. Additional Public Works employees are being trained to assist with neighborhood inspections, outreach and resident engagement beginning next week.
County officials are also targeting potential mosquito breeding sites. Pinellas County Code Enforcement conducted proactive outreach to 54 tire and automotive businesses regarding conditions that could contribute to mosquito breeding. Pinellas County Solid Waste is also working to establish a waiver of disposal fees for residential tires.
Symptoms of dengue can include fever, rash or hives, chills, vomiting and potentially serious bleeding complications. According to the county, the period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can range from three to 14 days.
Residents are being urged to eliminate standing water around their homes and take precautions against mosquito bites. Recommendations include wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toed shoes and using insect repellents containing CDC-recommended ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Anyone who believes they may have a mosquito-borne illness is encouraged to contact the Florida Department of Health at 727-824-6932.
County and state officials continue to monitor the outbreak and conduct mosquito-control and public-education efforts.