Dengue on the Rise in Florida: Mosquito‑Control Efforts Accelerate

Florida is watching a worrisome uptick in dengue fever, a mosquito‑borne virus that can turn a simple fever into a serious, sometimes life‑threatening illness. By the start of September, the state had logged 41 locally acquired cases – 33 in the Tampa Bay area alone – and health officials say the numbers are likely to keep climbing.

What makes dengue especially tricky is that it isn’t just a traveler’s problem any longer. A “locally acquired” case means someone caught the virus right where they live, without ever stepping foot overseas. In Hillsborough County, for instance, thirty cases have been confirmed, with smaller clusters popping up in Miami‑Dade, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties.

The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has sounded the alarm, placing mosquito‑borne illness alerts on Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The agency is now stepping up aerial and ground spraying, while crews comb private yards for any standing water – the perfect breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries dengue.

“Dengue doesn’t respect county lines,” says Alissa Berro, Mosquito Control Director for Pinellas County. “A single infected traveler can seed the virus in a new neighborhood, and a local mosquito can then spread it to anyone nearby.” It’s a reminder that, even though the virus traditionally thrives in tropical regions of Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa, it’s become a genuine threat on the continental U.S., especially in Florida’s warm, humid climate.

The CDC’s own data underline the trend. 2024 was a record year for dengue in the United States, with 3,798 cases reported – a 359 % jump over the 2010‑2023 average. While the vast majority (about 97 %) were linked to travel, roughly 3 % were acquired locally, and Florida accounted for more than a quarter of those home‑grown infections.

Health experts are urging Floridians to adopt the “three Ds” to protect themselves and their neighbors:

• Dress in long sleeves, light colors and closed shoes when you’re outside.
• Defend yourself with a proven repellent – DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus work well.
• Dump any standing water in buckets, plant saucers, tires or discarded toys.

Most people who catch dengue experience fever, aches, nausea and a rash, and they usually recover within one or two weeks. However, a small percentage develop severe dengue – a rapid‑onset condition that can cause intense stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, breathing trouble or extreme fatigue. Those warning signs can appear just after the fever breaks, so prompt medical attention is critical.

In the meantime, mosquito‑control crews are on the ground and in the sky, treating hotspots and checking homes for hidden breeding sites. The message to residents is clear: stay vigilant, eliminate stagnant water, and protect yourself with repellent. Together, those steps could keep the virus from spreading further across the Sunshine State.