Dengue fever outbreak in Florida: What to know

Key Points:

• Florida is experiencing its largest dengue fever outbreak in decades, with over 250 locally acquired cases reported in 2026, primarily in Hillsborough County, leading to a state of local emergency and intensified mosquito control efforts.
• Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions, with no current cure and treatment focused on pain management.
• Climate change has contributed to the spread of dengue by extending mosquito breeding seasons and expanding their range, resulting in record global cases in 2024, including over 14.6 million infections and more than 12,000 deaths.
• Travelers to Florida, especially the Tampa area, are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using effective insect repellents like permethrin-treated garments and bug spray, as there is no widely available vaccine.
• Individuals who develop dengue symptoms should monitor their health closely and seek immediate medical care if severe symptoms appear, but the virus is not transmitted person-to-person, reducing the risk to travel companions.