Florida mosquito-control agencies are intensifying surveillance, inspections, and spraying efforts as officials anticipate a rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases across the state, including the Tampa Bay region. As of September 1, Florida had recorded 33 locally acquired dengue cases in the Tampa Bay area and 41 statewide this year. Locally acquired cases indicate that individuals contracted the illness within Florida, rather than through travel abroad.
The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) reported that Hillsborough County has confirmed 30 cases, Miami-Dade County has seven, Pinellas County has three, and Palm Beach County has one. Both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have been issued mosquito-borne illness alerts by the Florida Department of Health.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. In rare instances, it can lead to life-threatening complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the virus is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, though it is occasionally found in the continental U.S., with Florida, California, and Texas reporting locally acquired cases in the past.
Nationally, 2024 has been a record year for dengue, according to the CDC. A total of 3,798 cases have been reported across U.S. states and the District of Columbia, a significant increase compared to the average from 2010 to 2023. Approximately 97% of these cases were linked to travel, while about 3% were locally acquired. Florida accounted for over a quarter of the national total in 2024, with 1,044 reported cases, including 85 locally acquired cases across 10 counties.
Officials emphasize the interconnectedness of disease spread across county lines. "The mosquitoes that transmit the virus generally stay within a relatively small area, but people travel throughout the Tampa Bay area every day," Alissa Berro, Pinellas County Mosquito Control Director, told Fox 13. "When someone infected with dengue enters a new area, a local mosquito can bite that person and later spread the virus to others. As cases rise across the region, so does the potential for additional local transmission."
To combat the spread, mosquito-control crews are increasing aerial and ground treatments in areas with confirmed dengue activity and are inspecting properties for potential breeding sites. The FMCA is advising residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, breeds in small containers that collect water such as buckets, planters, and discarded items.
The association also promotes the "Three Ds" strategy for personal protection: Dress in long sleeves and pants, Defend with EPA-approved insect repellent, and Dump and drain any standing water. The Aedes mosquito is identifiable by its striped legs and relatively small size.
While many dengue infections are asymptomatic and most individuals recover within one to two weeks, some can develop severe dengue. Warning signs for severe dengue, which typically appear after the fever subsides, include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and restlessness. The Mayo Clinic advises seeking immediate medical attention for anyone experiencing these symptoms.