Updated October 8, 2026
Sharing information from county and state agencies about dengue fever in Pasco County and surrounding counties. This will be updated as necessary and when we get more information
NEW! Biweekly Cases Reported
FDOH-PASCO | October 8, 2026
Please find our bi-weekly dengue case update below. While Hillsborough and Pinellas counties continue to experience weekly surges, our local numbers remain low.
However, we have noted a recent increase in preliminary positive results.
Thank you for your continued help in spreading awareness. Let’s keep working together to keep our case counts down!
Given the recent and continued heavy rainfall, it is more important than ever that we actively promote the “drain and cover” message.
New! Pasco County Hosts Drop-Off Sites for Used Tires
Media Release | September 25, 2026
FDOH-Pasco
Pasco, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is informing residents of a third case of locally-acquired Dengue. DOH-Pasco and Pasco County Mosquito Control District are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts.
Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. DOH-Pasco reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions to follow the “Drain and Cover” principles to reduce mosquito production and protect
themselves:
- DRAIN standing water around homes and businesses at least once a week, including
flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, pet water bowls, gutters, tarps, pool covers, and any
containers that collect rainwater. - COVER exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, and apply a
US EPA-registered insect repellent according to the product label. Ensure window and
door screens are in good repair to help keep mosquitoes outside.
The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses,
including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria,
chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
For more information, visit the Department’s website or view the weekly mosquito-borne illness
surveillance reports. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call DOH-Pasco at
727.619.030
Florida Department of Health Media Relations | September 24, 3036
On September 9/23/2026, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners issued a Local State of Emergency related to dengue. Today, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties followed suit.
Pasco County’s declaration was implemented as a proactive measure in response to the rising number of dengue cases across the Tampa Bay region. While case numbers in Pasco County remain low, we want to take proactive steps to help keep them that way.
Current Cases | Status
Recent stats provided by the Pasco DOH.
Information from the Florida Department of Health
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease related to the viruses that cause West Nile and yellow fever. Dengue fever can be a painful, debilitating disease but is rarely fatal.
Several cases are reported in Florida each year in people traveling to areas where the disease is present. These imported cases are usually from dengue endemic regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Asia.
The close proximity of areas with dengue, such as Puerto Rico, and frequent international travel among Florida residents make it possible to have dengue reintroduced.
Dengue infection is acquired through the bite of certain species of mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, but also Aedes albopictus, both of which are present in Florida.
- Symptoms appear 3-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain (giving the disease the nickname “breakbone fever”), and bleeding. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may also be present in some cases.
- Dengue fever symptoms usually last 4-7 days. The disease is often diagnosed incorrectly because the symptoms are similar to influenza and other viruses.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a rare but more severe form of dengue infection that can be fatal if not recognized and treated with supportive care.
There is no treatment for dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever, but quick recognition and management of symptoms and complications is effective at preventing deaths.
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