Reviewing recent epidemiological data confirms the overall predictability index was too conservative. Hillsborough’s cases escalated from 95 in early September to 223 by early October, which is a 60% increase overall in Dengue Fever.
During this outbreak, public health forecasting models tracking vector dynamics projected a 35% to 50% increase in locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County.
From 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 to 6:00 a.m. on Oct. 2, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services conducted targeted aerial applications of Dibrom insecticide covering South Tampa, Davis Islands and Harbor Island.
This intervention comes as the Tampa Bay region confronts a significant dengue outbreak. Statewide surveillance places the cluster firmly in Tampa Bay, where 53 new cases were added to the previously 179 confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been recorded. The state numbers added 10 more new cases to the total.
Hillsborough County serves as the epicenter with 223 confirmed locally acquired cases, which includes Pinellas County (13), Pasco County (3), and Polk County (1). Arbovirus Surveillance – Florida Department of Health . These numbers bring the statewide numbers of locally acquired Dengue Fever to 252.
Mosquito Management crews were increasing treatments by air and ground because county traps across multiple neighborhoods continue to show active dengue fever virus in local mosquito populations. Health officials urge residents to dump or cover standing water around their homes and defend themselves by using insect repellents containing CDC-recommended ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
With the active mosquito season anticipated to continue for another four weeks, private sector initiatives are reinforcing public action. To protect densely populated housing developments, WellTech Pest Solutions is currently offering free mosquito inspections for multifamily properties and property owners. Between aerial treatments, localized property inspections, and personal vigilance, Tampa Bay communities are taking comprehensive action to halt transmission across the region.
