Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 7, 2026 —

Officials in Pinellas County are issuing an urgent call for residents to implement preventative measures against mosquito-borne illnesses, citing a recent uptick in virus detections within the county and across the broader Tampa Bay region.

The increase in mosquito activity and associated virus detection is linked to recent rainfall patterns, which have created abundant breeding environments for mosquitoes. In response, Pinellas County Mosquito Control has intensified its efforts and is urging the public to be vigilant.

The concern extends beyond Pinellas County, as neighboring Hillsborough County has also reported cases of locally acquired dengue fever. This situation underscores the widespread nature of the threat across the Tampa Bay area.

To combat the heightened risk, residents are strongly encouraged to adhere to the “3 Ds” of mosquito control:

  • Dress: Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Defend: Use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin to deter mosquito bites.
  • Dump: Eliminate sources of standing water around homes and properties where mosquitoes can breed. This includes emptying water from flower pots, birdbaths, pet bowls, and clogged gutters.

The specific types of viruses detected and the exact dates of the increased detections were not provided. However, the advisory emphasizes the need for immediate and consistent application of these protective measures to mitigate the potential spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.



Story summarized from the original created by Brian Pellerin on pinellas.gov, see more information here.

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