Florida Takes Action Against Rising Dengue Fever Cases
In response to an increase in locally acquired dengue fever cases, Florida’s mosquito control agencies are ramping up their efforts to monitor and manage the situation. Recently, officials have noted a rise in dengue fever cases in the Tampa Bay area and throughout the state.
As of early September, there have been 33 reported cases in the Tampa Bay region and a total of 41 cases statewide this year. Local health authorities anticipate that these numbers will continue to rise, according to reports from local news sources.
Locally acquired cases refer to individuals who contracted the illness in Florida rather than while traveling. The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has confirmed 30 cases in Hillsborough County, followed by seven in Miami-Dade County, three in Pinellas County, and one in Palm Beach County. Currently, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are under alerts for mosquito-borne illnesses as issued by the Florida Department of Health.
Dengue, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms such as fever, intense pain, nausea, skin rashes, and in rare circumstances, severe health complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the illness is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, Florida, California, and Texas have reported local cases in the continental U.S.
In fact, in 2024, Florida recorded the highest number of dengue cases among U.S. states, with 1,044 instances reported, making up over a quarter of national figures. The abundance of locally acquired cases is a concern, as the Pinellas County Mosquito Control Director, Alissa Berro, highlighted that traveling individuals could introduce the virus into new areas, leading to further transmission.
To combat the spread of dengue, Florida mosquito control teams are intensifying both aerial and ground spraying in areas where the virus is active. They are also inspecting residential properties for possible mosquito breeding grounds. The FMCA advises residents to eliminate any standing water around their homes, as mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus breed in small amounts of stagnant water found in containers like buckets, plant pots, and discarded toys.
To protect themselves, the FMCA recommends that people follow what they term the “three Ds”:
- Dress in long sleeves and light-colored clothing, along with closed-toed shoes when outdoors.
- Defend by using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Dump any standing water around homes and regularly check yards to prevent breeding sites.
While many people infected with dengue may not show symptoms, most who do typically recover within a week or two. However, some cases can lead to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. Warning signs, such as severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or irritability, may appear soon after the initial fever drops. Those experiencing these symptoms are urged to seek medical assistance immediately.
With rising dengue cases, local health officials stress the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and help control the spread of the virus.
