HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Hillsborough County have confirmed a second case of locally acquired dengue fever. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) announced the diagnosis and stated that local health authorities are working alongside Hillsborough County Mosquito Management to coordinate surveillance and treatment efforts across the area.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that typically presents as a flu-like illness. Common symptoms include high fever, severe muscle aches, joint pain, and occasionally a rash, though it generally does not cause respiratory issues. According to health officials, symptoms usually appear within 15 days of a bite from an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus cannot spread directly from person to person.
In response to the confirmed case, local health officials are urging residents to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Recommended actions include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and applying EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing. DOH-Hillsborough noted that these repellents are proven safe and effective when used as directed, including for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Authorities are also asking residents to inspect their homes and yards to eliminate potential breeding sites. Suggestions include repairing broken window or door screens and regularly draining standing water from containers such as buckets, flowerpots, pool covers, garbage cans, and toys.
DOH-Hillsborough maintains statewide surveillance for several mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents who notice dead birds are encouraged to report them to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as bird mortality can serve as an early indicator of virus activity in the area.
Members of the public seeking further details can access the department’s mosquito prevention webpage or review weekly surveillance reports online. Anyone experiencing potential dengue symptoms is advised to contact DOH-Hillsborough directly at 813-307-8010.
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