2 Human Dengue Fever Cases Reported In Tampa Bay Area: Report

TAMPA BAY, FL — Two new locally acquired dengue cases were reported in the greater Tampa Bay area between Dec. 1 and 7, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Weekly Arbovirus Report for that week.

The report shares information about mosquito-borne disease cases reported in humans in the state.

One new locally required case was reported in Hillsborough County, bringing the county’s total number of dengue cases to five for the year so far, the report said.

• Related: Human Dengue Fever Case Reported In Hillsborough County: FDOH

Another case was reported during this week in Pasco County, bringing the total number of dengue cases there for the year so far to 10.

In 2024, 74 locally acquired cases of dengue were reported in the state through Dec. 7, data shows.
Miami-Dade County has seen the highest number of cases so far at 46.

Cases have also been reported in other Tampa Bay-area counties this year including one in Manatee, one in Polk and one in Sarasota.

The community can take other precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including:

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
• Cover with protective clothing while outdoors.
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent mosquitoes from going indoors.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.