Pinellas County extends State of Local Emergency for dengue

Under authority delegated by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton today extended the State of Local Emergency related to the mosquito-borne spread of dengue until Oct. 22.

The BCC adopted a resolution declaring the emergency on Sept. 24, recognizing the serious threat mosquito-borne illnesses pose to Pinellas County residents and grants the County Administrator authority to quickly approve expenditures related to mosquito control. It allows for potential reimbursement if state funding becomes available.

According to the Florida Department of Health's (FDOH) latest report released on Oct. 15, Pinellas County has had 37 confirmed cases of dengue since August. The Tampa Bay region has had 351 confirmed cases across Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Pinellas County Mosquito Control continues to elevate its response to reduce mosquito populations across the county. Due to the high viral activity, our crews are focusing on dengue and cannot provide services for routine mosquito complaints at this time.

Residents concerned about mosquitoes around their home or business can take actions to protect themselves and their communities.

• Dump out any standing water around their property once per week.
• Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes when outside.
• Defend themselves using an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Mosquito Control uses both fogging trucks and a larviciding truck daily, weather permitting, to enhance targeting both adult and larval mosquitoes. With the current viral activity, truck fogging treatments may start as early as 11 p.m.

Our crews are also receiving additional support from partner agencies and contractors. Lee County Mosquito Control has provided mission support equipment to enhance treatment abilities. The County has also contracted additional trucks with Clarke Mosquito Services to assist with overnight treatments. These trucks will have both Pinellas County and Clarke branding and may possess out-of-state license plates.

Completed and planned truck and aerial treatments can be found on the County's online treatment map.

In treatment areas, Pinellas County staff are going door to door to help residents, and with their permission, treat standing water that can become potential mosquito breeding areas. Crews will wear Pinellas County uniforms and ID badge. Residents are encouraged to allow trained crews access to help protect their families and communities.

For details about dengue, how the mosquitoes spread the virus, our response and more, visit Pinellas.gov/dengue.

If you believe you have a mosquito-borne illness, please contact the FDOH in Pinellas County at (727) 824-6932.