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Florida dengue fever cases reach 524 as historic outbreak continues
Sarasota Herald-Tribune • • health
Key Points:
- Florida is experiencing its largest dengue fever outbreak in decades, with 524 locally acquired cases reported statewide as of October 31, surpassing previous records; Hillsborough County is the hardest hit with 407 cases and one confirmed death.
- The outbreak has led Hillsborough County to declare a state of local emergency, focusing on mosquito control efforts including increased aerial and ground treatments to reduce the mosquito population.
- Mosquito-borne illness advisories and alerts are in effect for 20 Florida counties, urging residents to take precautions such as applying insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Other mosquito-transmitted diseases reported in Florida this year include West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, though in much smaller numbers compared to dengue.
- The Florida Department of Health recommends using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and following "drain and cover" measures to reduce mosquito habitats and protect residents from infection.
