Photo courtesy of James Gathany/CDC via Pixnio
By Sade Reyes
Last updated: Sept. 25, 2026, at 5:22 p.m.
Today, Sept. 24, 2026, Hillsborough County announced a state of emergency after dengue cases reached over 150 confirmed cases in Hillsborough alone and one confirmed death from the outbreak. Dengue has been a problem for all of Florida this summer and is the second-largest outbreak of the virus on record. However, Hillsborough has had the highest numbers. At 154 confirmed cases and 170 possible cases, the next closest county is Pinellas County at 7 confirmed cases.
The issue has not gone unnoticed by the county. On Sept. 8, Hillsborough County released a statement stating they were spraying a pesticide called Dibrom insecticide on some Tampa neighborhoods in an attempt to curb the virus activity. However, on Sept.17, Hillsborough Soil and Water announced that the county would “[step] up aerial and ground treatments, including a low-flying helicopter spraying operation planned for Friday night over the lower peninsula of South Tampa.” This includes the application of Dibrom after 39 additional cases were confirmed after the original announcement that covered Sept. 6-12
One important note made by the Infectious Disease Advisor statement was that “Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has recorded more than 130 locally acquired dengue fever cases this year.” This means that the cases that are being recorded were likely caught in Florida and not from traveling.
The Hillsborough County statement also said, “Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is urging residents across Hillsborough County to take action to protect themselves.” This includes using insect repellent, wearing light colored, long-sleeved clothing, and dumping standing water.
Yesterday, Florida’s county with the second-highest number of confirmed dengue fever cases, Pinellas County declared a local state of emergency at seven confirmed cases. Although cases are not as high as Hillsborough, the county announced in their Sept. 24 statement that “Pinellas County finds it necessary to declare a local State of Emergency as a proactive and preventative step in the event additional cases are diagnosed.” Pasco county also annoyed a state of emergency on Wednesday.
Both counties have provided similar advice to preventing exposure. Most consist around “drain and cover,” meaning residents should drain out standing water and cover skin with long sleeves and pants whenever possible.
In terms of treatment, The University of Tampa is located within boundaries of “Aerial Adulticide” treatment according to Hillsborough’s mosquito spraying map. As treatments continue, residents can sign up to be notified of when treatments are being applied to their neighborhood. According to Bay News 9 Hillsborough provides and online resource to stay updated as well.
This is a developing story. The Minaret will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.