Hillsborough County joins statewide partners to fight dengue mosquitoes
Nearby counties, cities, FDACS and the CDC sent crews, helicopters and staff to help Hillsborough control mosquitoes.
From our October archiveOriginally dated
Published
On Oct. 15, Hillsborough County said it joined agencies across Florida to fight a rise in dengue fever cases. Mosquitoes spread the disease.
Partners include nearby counties, local cities, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lee County helps with helicopter flights that apply larvicide to sites where mosquitoes breed. Larvicide targets young mosquitoes before they become adults that bite. Manatee County helps with helicopter flights that apply adulticide. This product targets adult mosquitoes.
Brevard County sent crews with special trucks. The crews inspect sites and treat water where mosquitoes may breed. Brevard County also sent a biologist to help the county's Mosquito Management team.
FDACS and the CDC help count and monitor mosquitoes. The CDC also gives the county GIS maps. The maps track trap sites, chicken coop locations, and service requests.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main carrier of dengue virus in the county. It often breeds in small containers that hold water around homes and businesses.
Code Enforcement teams from the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City inspect properties. They work with owners to remove water that collects. Crews also remove illegally dumped tires, visit neighborhoods, treat water, and talk with businesses.
The county says containers on private and commercial properties can create new sites for mosquitoes if owners do not address them.