Florida is experiencing its largest dengue fever outbreak in decades, with health officials confirming 485 locally acquired cases this year. The Tampa Bay area accounts for approximately 95% of these infections statewide, according to the Florida Department of Health.
In response to the surge, emergency declarations were issued in late September for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. These declarations allow for expedited purchasing of supplies, increased spraying efforts, and requests for state and federal reimbursement. Hillsborough County has since extended its local state of emergency due to ongoing transmission.
These locally acquired cases are in addition to more than 300 travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year, which can introduce the virus to domestic mosquito populations. The Florida Mosquito Control Association has intensified targeted ground spraying, aerial applications, and property inspections.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments. Symptoms can include fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to dangerous complications or death.
Public health officials emphasize that these mosquitoes require minimal standing water, as little as a tablespoon, to lay eggs. Residents are urged to inspect their yards weekly and eliminate or cover potential breeding sites such as birdbaths, gutters, planters, and discarded tires.
Preventative measures recommended by health authorities include applying EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to cover exposed skin, and ensuring proper layering of sunscreen and insect repellent, with sunscreen applied first.
While most people infected with dengue experience mild or no symptoms and recover within two weeks, severe dengue can develop rapidly and requires immediate emergency medical care. Warning signs include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and extreme lethargy.