In a bid to tackle the soaring dengue cases this year, the city of Clearwater in Florida has initiated a unique approach by releasing thousands of small fish that feast on mosquito larvae. This strategy aims to curb the insect population responsible for spreading the disease.
On Friday, Clearwater introduced 10,000 eastern mosquitofish, also known as gambusias, into four local lakes, as reported by 10 Tampa Bay. This action follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Pinellas County due to the dengue outbreak.
These fish, indigenous to Florida, play a crucial role by consuming mosquito larvae before they develop into adults. According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), a single adult mosquitofish can eat up to 100 mosquito larvae daily.
“Their main function is to eat the larvae, which significantly reduces the mosquito population and helps with the current issues we are facing,” stated Jarett Hood, Clearwater's Emergency Management Division chief, in an interview with the local TV station.
The initial batch of 10,000 fish was distributed among four sites: 2,000 in Prospect Lake, 4,000 in Glen Oaks, 2,000 in Moccasin Lake, and another 2,000 in Salls Lake. The program plans to release an additional 31,000 mosquitofish throughout Clearwater, aiming to utilize at least 41,000 fish in total.
The Role of Gambusias in Mosquito Control
Officials are optimistic that the fish will continue to reproduce after their introduction into ponds and lakes. Cassie Cordova, Clearwater's sustainability and environmental manager, highlighted that an initial population of 2,000 fish could potentially multiply significantly within months.
While the release of gambusias is a significant step, it does not replace other mosquito control measures. Clearwater continues to implement aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes, ground-based fogging, and larvicidal treatments in water collections.
Inspectors also employ mosquito dunks, small tablets or rings that release larvicides slowly into stagnant water, targeting mosquito larvae.
Escalating Dengue Cases in Florida
The initiative comes amid a rapidly worsening epidemiological situation. According to data from 10 Tampa Bay, citing the CDC and Florida Department of Health, the state has recorded 392 dengue cases in 2026, with Hillsborough County being the most affected.
This figure encompasses various case types and should not be confused with the count solely of infections acquired within Florida. The most recent official report from the Florida Department of Health, covering the week of September 13-19, recorded 190 locally acquired dengue cases in 2026, with 38 new local infections reported that week alone.
Hillsborough accounts for 170 of these cases, followed by Miami-Dade and Pinellas with seven each; Orange with three; Pasco with two; and Palm Beach with one.
The surge has been notably swift. At the start of September, Florida had a total of 208 dengue cases, prompting several central and southern counties to intensify their mosquito control efforts.
Local transmission also emerged in South Florida this summer. In early August, the Department of Health confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Miami-Dade, triggering additional vector surveillance and control measures.
FAQs on Dengue Control Initiatives in Florida
What is the primary purpose of releasing mosquitofish in Clearwater?
The primary goal is to reduce the mosquito population by having the mosquitofish consume mosquito larvae, thereby controlling the spread of dengue.
How many cases of dengue have been reported in Florida in 2026?
As of 2026, Florida has reported 392 cases of dengue, with a significant concentration in Hillsborough County.
Are there other mosquito control measures being used in Clearwater?
Yes, Clearwater is also employing aerial spraying, ground fogging, larvicidal treatments, and using mosquito dunks to control the mosquito population.