Florida Counties Declare States of Emergency Amid Dengue Fever Surge

Multiple counties in Florida have declared local states of emergency to address a significant increase in dengue fever cases, a mosquito-borne illness also known as 'breakbone fever.' Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties have implemented these measures to bolster efforts in controlling mosquito populations.

Hillsborough County issued its executive order on Thursday, which went into effect Friday. Pasco County declared its state of emergency on Wednesday, and Pinellas County commissioners followed suit on Thursday. These declarations typically remain in effect for seven days unless extended or rescinded by officials.

According to the CDC, Florida has reported 392 dengue fever cases this year, including 183 that were acquired locally. This marks a substantial rise from last year, when the state recorded 72 locally acquired cases. Specifically, Hillsborough County has reported 160 dengue fever cases, Pinellas County has seven, and Pasco County has two. Thirty-eight new local cases were identified in the past week alone.

Dengue fever is characterized by a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and deep aches in muscles, joints, and bones. The illness is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species prevalent in Florida. These mosquitoes thrive in warm urban environments and can breed in small amounts of standing water.

Across the United States, there has been an increase in dengue fever cases. The contiguous U.S. has recorded 484 travel-associated cases and 184 locally acquired cases, including those in Florida and Virginia. A CDC report indicated a 359% rise in average annual dengue cases in the U.S. in 2024 compared to the 2010-2023 average. In 2024, a record 3,798 cases were reported, an increase from the average of 828. Of these cases, 97% were travel-associated, and 105 were locally acquired. The report also noted that 36% of patients were hospitalized, 3% experienced severe illness, and six deaths were recorded.

While many dengue infections are asymptomatic, some patients can develop severe complications, including life-threatening internal bleeding, respiratory distress, heart failure, shock, and organ failure. Symptoms typically appear five to seven days after infection and can include fever, severe headache, joint pain, and bleeding gums. Severe cases may involve persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and dengue shock syndrome, which can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure. Individuals under five, over 65, and pregnant women are considered most at risk.

Treatment for dengue fever is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and complications. Mild cases can be managed with fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol. Severe cases may require hospitalization for IV fluids, blood pressure monitoring, and transfusions. A three-dose dengue vaccine is available for children aged nine to 16, which reduces the risk of symptomatic infection by approximately 80%.