Hillsborough County Extends State of Emergency Amidst Decreasing Dengue Cases
Hillsborough County, Florida, has extended its local state of emergency through November 12, despite reporting the lowest weekly increase in dengue cases since the emergency order was first issued on September 24. The county recorded 22 new cases during the week of October 25-31, bringing its total to 407 confirmed cases since July. This marks the first time in several weeks that the weekly increase has fallen below 25 cases. Pinellas County also reported 13 additional cases, totaling 80. Across Florida, 524 dengue cases have been recorded since July, with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties accounting for the majority of the 39 new infections in the latest state update. Health experts suggest these numbers are likely undercounts due to the delayed onset of symptoms and the fact that many infected individuals do not experience illness. Mosquito management crews in Hillsborough County are continuing aerial and ground treatments, focusing on areas with detected dengue virus activity in the mosquito population...
