ALERT: Three Florida Counties in Emergency Over Dengue Outbreak

The counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco, in the Tampa Bay area, declared local emergencies during September 2026 amid a dengue outbreak in Florida. The measures seek to accelerate surveillance and mosquito control, especially in Hillsborough, where 170 locally acquired cases had been reported.

How many dengue cases were reported in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health reported 190 acquired cases within the state during 2026. The figure corresponds to its surveillance report for the week of September 13-19. This should not be interpreted as a definitive count as of September 30.

Hillsborough accounted for 170 cases. Pinellas reported 7 and Pasco, 2. The other 11 were distributed among Miami-Dade, Orange and Palm Beach. Cases linked to international travel are counted separately.

The emergency declaration in each county does not mean that all 3 are facing outbreaks of equal magnitude. According to public broadcaster WUSF, Pasco and Pinellas also acted to strengthen the preventive response.

What measures did the Tampa Bay counties take?

Hillsborough administrator Bonnie Wise declared the local emergency on September 24. The county government indicated that the order facilitates mobilizing resources against mosquitoes. Its initial duration was up to 7 days, unless extended or suspended.

Hillsborough intensified aerial and ground treatments after detecting virus activity in captured mosquitoes. That detection helps guide operations, but does not add to the number of sick people.

The Pinellas Commission also declared an emergency on September 24. The county strengthened inspections, surveillance and treatments, and also offered assistance in locating breeding sites in homes. The declaration was extended until October 8, according to reports.