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Florida battles largest dengue fever outbreak in decades with hundreds infected
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Florida is experiencing its largest dengue fever outbreak in decades, with 485 locally acquired cases confirmed this year, primarily concentrated in the Tampa Bay area.
- Emergency declarations have been issued in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties to expedite mosquito control measures and secure state and federal funding.
- Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day and breed in small amounts of standing water, prompting officials to urge residents to eliminate breeding sites and use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Most dengue infections cause mild symptoms and resolve within two weeks, but severe cases can develop rapidly and require immediate medical attention.
- Mosquito control efforts include targeted ground and aerial spraying, as well as localized property inspections to curb the spread of the virus.
