Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have declared states of emergency as officials confront rising dengue fever cases and work to control the mosquito population across Tampa Bay.

Hillsborough County declared a state of local emergency Thursday. County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the executive order, which goes into effect today as local officials continue their efforts to limit the spread of mosquitoes.

Pasco County issued its state of emergency order Wednesday. Pinellas commissioners followed during their meeting Thursday, deciding that the county would also declare a state of emergency because of dengue fever.

Under Hillsborough County rules, a state of local emergency can remain in effect for seven days. County officials can rescind the declaration or extend it beyond that period.

Florida has reported 392 dengue fever cases acquired both locally and internationally, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The statewide figure reflects the widening scale of the response facing public health officials.

Tampa Bay accounted for 169 reported cases as of Sept. 19, according to Florida Department of Health data. Hillsborough had 160 cases, while Pinellas had seven and Pasco had two.

Florida also reported 38 new locally acquired cases during the last week. The latest figures emerged as county leaders considered emergency measures and additional mosquito treatment efforts.

In Pinellas County, code enforcement personnel have been knocking on doors as mosquito spraying continues around the county, County Administrator Barry Burton said. The work is part of the county’s effort to treat areas affected by the mosquito problem.

Burton said Pinellas could spend another $1 million on chemicals, overtime pay and services from another county. Those services would be used to help treat mosquitoes in the area.

The regional nature of the mosquito problem was emphasized during the Pinellas meeting. “They don’t stop at the county line,” Commission Chairperson Dave Eggers said of the mosquitoes.

Pinellas County’s state of emergency will be limited to 42 days, or about six weeks, County Attorney Jewel White said. That gives the county a longer declared emergency period than the initial seven days allowed under Hillsborough’s declaration.

White said the emergency declaration allows the Pinellas government to access state funding if that funding becomes available. The declaration therefore gives the county a way to pursue possible financial support for its response.

The emergency actions follow the death of a Hillsborough County woman earlier this month. She was the first known person to die as a result of dengue fever in Florida this year.

Her death was also the first fatality from the tropical disease in almost a century in Tampa Bay. The fatal case adds urgency to local efforts focused on mosquito control and public guidance.

State and local officials have instructed residents to drain garbage cans, gutters and buckets where water may collect. They also advise throwing out old tires, planters and other items capable of holding water.

Residents should keep pools chlorinated and covered whenever they are not being used. Officials say people who believe there is a mosquito problem should report it so that authorities can respond.