Florida Reports Increase in Dengue Fever Cases as Mosquito Control Efforts Intensify

<p>Florida mosquito-control agencies are increasing surveillance, inspections, and spraying as officials anticipate a rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases in Tampa Bay and across the state. As of September 1, 2026, there have been 33 dengue fever cases reported in Tampa Bay and 41 statewide. Officials expect these numbers to increase, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.</p><p>Locally acquired cases refer to individuals contracting the illness in their local area rather than while traveling abroad. The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has confirmed 30 cases in Hillsborough County, seven in Miami-Dade County, three in Pinellas County, and one in Palm Beach County. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are currently under mosquito-borne illness alerts issued by the Florida Department of Health.</p><p>Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, which can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa. While less common in the continental U.S., locally acquired cases have been documented in Florida, California, and Texas.</p><p>Florida reported the highest number of dengue cases among U.S. states and Washington, D.C., in 2024, with 1,044 cases, accounting for over 25% of the total cases reported. The CDC noted that 2024 was a record year for dengue in the U.S., with a total of 3,798 cases reported, a 359% increase over the annual average from 2010 to 2023. Approximately 97% of these cases were travel-associated, while around 3% were locally acquired.</p><p>Pinellas County Mosquito Control Director Alissa Berro stated, "Dengue does not stop at county lines." She explained that while mosquitoes that transmit the virus typically remain within a small area, travel within the Tampa Bay area can lead to the spread of the virus as infected individuals encounter local mosquitoes.</p><p>Mosquito-control crews in Florida are ramping up aerial and ground treatments in areas with dengue virus activity and are inspecting private properties for potential mosquito breeding sites. The FMCA is advising residents to eliminate or cover standing water around their homes, as the mosquito that spreads dengue breeds in containers that hold small amounts of water.</p><p>FMCA also recommends following the "three Ds" to reduce mosquito exposure. Many individuals infected with dengue may not exhibit symptoms, and most who do become ill recover within a week or two. However, in some cases, the illness can develop into severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.</p><p>Warning signs of severe dengue can appear quickly, often within one to two days after fever subsides, and may include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and irritability. Individuals experiencing these warning signs should seek immediate medical attention.</p>