Tampa Staff Go Door-to-Door as Dengue Outbreak Continues News General With more rain expected across the Tampa Bay region, and more than 200 cases of dengue reported in[...]

With more rain expected across the Tampa Bay region, and more than 200 cases of dengue reported in Hillsborough County, City of Tampa staff are preparing to canvass multiple neighborhoods Friday as part of the City's continued efforts to raise awareness about the outbreak and share health and safety information with residents.

Beginning at 8:00 A.M., City of Tampa staff members, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, will be going door-to-door to talk to neighbors about ways to reduce the risk of infection and provide information about dengue symptoms and what to do if they present symptoms.

Teams will be visiting neighborhoods where dengue cases have been reported by the Florida Department of Health, including Southeast Seminole Heights, North Hyde Park, West Tampa, Forest Hills, and Sulphur Springs.

This is part of an ongoing initiative to prevent the disease from spreading. In addition to community outreach, the City of Tampa's Neighborhood Enhancement Department, also commonly known as Code Enforcement, has ramped up efforts in recent months to remove illegally dumped tires across the City which can collect rainwater and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Staff have also been working closely with business owners to ensure commercial properties are removing items that can attract mosquitoes.

Over the past three months, crews have removed 23 tons of tires. At this time, the department is monitoring 85 locations. Two have received citations.