Florida surgeon general urges residents to protect themselves from dengue ahead of Labor Day weekend

Tampa, Florida – Florida health officials are urging residents to take extra precautions against mosquito bites as families prepare to spend time outdoors during the Labor Day weekend, following an unusual increase in locally acquired dengue infections in Hillsborough County.

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo joined local officials in Tampa to highlight the importance of mosquito-bite prevention and other simple steps residents can take to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Hillsborough County has reported 59 locally acquired dengue infections to date. The increase has prompted continued monitoring by the Florida Department of Health and its local partners as officials work to support mosquito control and prevention efforts.

“As families across Florida prepare to enjoy Labor Day weekend, I encourage everyone to take few simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquitos bites,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Use insect repellent, cover up when possible, and remove standing water around your home. Individual prevention helps protect you and your community”

Dengue is a viral illness that can be spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes are found in communities across Florida and can reproduce in small amounts of standing water.

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That means residents do not need to have large pools of water around their homes for mosquitoes to become a problem. Small containers and other objects that collect rainwater can provide enough water for mosquitoes to breed.

Health officials are therefore encouraging residents to look around their homes and businesses for places where water may be collecting. Removing standing water is one of the measures residents can take to help limit mosquito breeding near their properties.

Using insect repellent is another recommended precaution, particularly for people who expect to spend extended periods outdoors over the holiday weekend. Officials also recommend covering exposed skin when possible as another way to reduce mosquito bites.

The warning comes as many Floridians prepare for Labor Day activities, including outdoor gatherings and other events. With mosquitoes able to breed in very small amounts of water, health officials say individual actions can play an important role in reducing exposure.

The Florida Department of Health continues to work with local partners in Hillsborough County to track dengue activity. Those efforts include monitoring reported infections and supporting ongoing mosquito control and prevention work in the area.

Dengue can occur in Florida because the mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present in the state. The current situation in Hillsborough County has drawn particular attention because of the unusual increase in infections acquired locally.

Residents can help by taking a few minutes to inspect areas around their homes, businesses and outdoor spaces for standing water. Items that can collect rainwater should be emptied or addressed so they do not become breeding sites.

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The health department’s message comes ahead of a busy holiday weekend, when more people are expected to be outside. Officials are asking residents not to overlook basic mosquito protection while enjoying the final days of summer.

For Floridians in Hillsborough County and elsewhere in the state, the recommended steps are straightforward. Applying insect repellent, covering up when practical and eliminating standing water can reduce opportunities for mosquito bites and breeding.

State and local health officials will continue monitoring the situation and working with mosquito control partners as they respond to dengue activity in Hillsborough County. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of mosquito-borne illness risks and take preventive measures, particularly when spending time outdoors.