Officials in Hillsborough County, Florida, have declared a local state of emergency as dengue fever cases climb to a new high.
According to the latest state data, Hillsborough County has recorded 170 locally acquired dengue cases since the outbreak began. That puts the county far ahead of the rest of Florida, where 190 cases have been reported statewide. The state’s figures do not yet include the first case in Polk County, which was confirmed Thursday morning.
In response to the surge, Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order declaring a state of local emergency. The order took effect immediately on Thursday, Sept. 24, and will remain in place for seven days unless it is rescinded or extended.
The emergency declaration gives the county the ability to take emergency measures to protect residents from dengue fever. It also opens the door to possible federal reimbursement for certain expenses.
Dengue is typically spread through infected mosquitoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms, which can include fever, aches, rashes or nausea, show up around two weeks after a bite.
More severe symptoms include frequent vomiting, stomach pain, blood in the stool or vomit, or bleeding from the nose or gums. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Experts say treatment for dengue usually centers on managing symptoms and staying hydrated.
Prevention is considered the best defense against the disease. On a personal level, vaccines are available for people living in places where dengue infections are frequent. Mitigation efforts by local governments and health agencies also play a key role in keeping the illness in check.
Hillsborough County officials are taking action on that front. The county is setting mosquito traps and carrying out both aerial and ground operations to reduce the risk of infection.
The county is also giving residents tools to stay informed about the treatments taking place in their communities.
“Residents can sign up to be notified of where localized aerial treatments are occurring in their neighborhood,” the county said. “Hillsborough County also maintains an online resource for residents to view where treatments are occurring.”
The emergency declaration underscores just how heavily the outbreak has hit Hillsborough County compared with the rest of the state. With 170 of Florida’s 190 reported cases, the county accounts for the overwhelming majority of dengue infections in the latest state data.
The appearance of a first confirmed case in neighboring Polk County on Thursday adds another layer of concern, as that case had not yet been reflected in the state’s numbers.
For now, the county’s emergency order is set to run for one week. Whether it is extended or rescinded will be determined in the days ahead, as officials continue trapping mosquitoes and conducting aerial and ground operations aimed at slowing the spread.
Residents looking to track where treatments are happening can use the county’s notification sign-up and online resource to see activity in their neighborhoods.
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