Hillsborough, Pasco Expand Tampa Dengue Spraying After 59 Cases

2 articles · Updated · Bay News 9 · Sep 6

At least 59 dengue cases in Hillsborough County this year have prompted Hillsborough and Pasco to intensify helicopter pesticide spraying over central Tampa neighborhoods.
The aerial campaign targets Aedes aegypti mosquitoes along the I-275 and U.S. 41 corridors, with Pasco using a lower, slower application method officials said is effective during dengue transmission.
A formal agreement now underpins the joint response, with aircraft and pilots from Pasco and Manatee also assisting as officials expect spraying to continue for several weeks until transmission drops.
No deaths have been reported, but officials urged residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed during flyovers, while removing standing water from items such as buckets, toys and pet bowls.