Dangerous mosquito-borne virus spreads in one state as officials warn of rising cases

Key Points:

• Florida is experiencing a rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases, with 33 cases in Tampa Bay and 41 statewide as of September 1, prompting mosquito-control agencies to increase surveillance, inspections, and spraying efforts.
• Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are under mosquito-borne illness alerts, with the Florida Mosquito Control Association reporting 30 cases in Hillsborough County and additional cases in Miami-Dade, Pinellas, and Palm Beach counties.
• Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, and rash, and in rare cases, lead to life-threatening complications; the virus is more common in tropical regions but has been increasingly reported in parts of the U.S., especially Florida.
• The CDC noted that 2024 is a record year for dengue in the U.S., with Florida reporting the highest number of cases, including 85 locally acquired cases across 10 counties, highlighting the risk of local transmission as infected individuals travel within regions.
• Residents are urged to reduce mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water and to protect themselves by dressing appropriately, using insect repellent, and seeking immediate medical care if severe dengue symptoms appear.