Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 days ago
Dengue outbreak in Florida infects 296 people and kills one
Dengue is spreading in Florida, with 296 people infected locally this year and one person dead.
Most of the cases are in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa.
Mosquitoes spread the virus, and experts say rain and warm weather can help mosquito numbers grow.
There is no medicine that cures dengue, so preventing mosquito bites and limiting their spread matter.
Florida has recorded 296 locally acquired dengue cases since the start of 2026, compared with 62 cases in the state during all of 2025.
An 80-year-old woman from the Tampa area died, and Hillsborough County declared a local state of emergency on September 24.
Hillsborough County accounted for 259 of the cases, and the outbreak is described as the largest on the US mainland in decades.
The first locally acquired case in Hillsborough County this year was reported in late July, followed by a rapid rise in cases.
Health officials say there is no medicine that treats the dengue virus itself; doctors can only ease symptoms.
Experts point to imported infections, mosquito conditions, weather and wider climate and travel trends as factors that may contribute to the spread.
- Who
- People infected with dengue in Florida, including an 80-year-old woman who died.
- What
- A large dengue outbreak involving locally acquired cases.
- When
- Since the start of 2026; the first locally acquired Hillsborough County case was reported in late July.
- Where
- Florida, especially Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa.
- Why
- The outbreak may involve dengue imported by travelers and spread by local mosquitoes; experts also cite weather and broader factors affecting mosquito spread.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Das Virus muss immer wieder eingeschleppt werden, was in der Regel durch Reisende geschieht.
Hillsborough County reported its first locally acquired dengue case of the year.
The state health department counted 111 cases.
Hillsborough County declared a local state of emergency.
The state health department counted 252 cases.
Florida had recorded 245 dengue cases among people who had returned from travel.
- Florida locally acquired cases since start of 2026
- 296
- Hillsborough County cases
- 259
- Florida cases in all of 2025
- 62
- Reported death
- An 80-year-old woman from the Tampa area
- Travel-related cases by the end of September
- 245, including 201 infections acquired in Cuba
Sources
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