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Florida's dengue outbreak is largest in continental U.S. in decades
PBS • • general
Key Points:
- Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in several decades, with over 250 locally acquired cases reported this year, primarily in Hillsborough County near Tampa.
- This outbreak is the most significant in any continental U.S. state since at least the 1940s, surpassing previous records including Florida's 2023 total of just under 200 cases.
- Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease causing fever, severe pain, and in some cases, death; Florida has reported one dengue-related death this year.
- The spread of dengue in Florida is linked to climate change expanding mosquito habitats and increased travel from dengue-endemic regions like Puerto Rico, with local cases now outnumbering travel-associated infections.
- Preventive measures include mosquito control efforts, personal protection with insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites, as experts warn that such outbreaks may become more common.
