Florida Probes Possible Dengue Death in Tampa as Hillsborough Nears 60 Local Cases
Updated
Updated · FOX 13 Tampa · Sep 9
Florida Probes Possible Dengue Death in Tampa as Hillsborough Nears 60 Local Cases
3 articles · Updated · FOX 13 Tampa · Sep 9
Summary
Florida health officials are investigating whether an 80-year-old Tampa woman died from a dengue infection, a case that would mark a serious escalation in the state's outbreak.
Nearly 70 locally acquired dengue cases had been reported statewide as of last week, with almost 60 in Hillsborough County, keeping the Tampa Bay area at the center of transmission.
Dengue is usually not fatal, but severe cases can occur; experts say a second infection with a different dengue strain can worsen illness, though no such link has been confirmed in this death.
Hillsborough mosquito-control crews are scheduled to spray South Tampa, Hyde Park, Ybor City and Town 'N Country on Wednesday night into Thursday as the state urges repellant use, protective clothing and removal of standing water.