Tropical disease spread by mosquitoes claims first recorded death in southern US state

Key Points:

• Florida reported its first confirmed dengue fever death of 2026, with Gay Small of Hillsborough County passing away on Sept. 4 due to complications from the virus, including septic shock and multi-organ failure.
• Small's family believes she had a prior dengue infection from travel, which increases the risk of severe symptoms upon reinfection; her death marks the first dengue fatality in the Tampa Bay area in nearly a century.
• Florida is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of locally acquired dengue cases, particularly in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, prompting increased mosquito control efforts such as inspections, spraying, and public health alerts.
• Health officials urge residents to eliminate standing water around homes and follow protective measures like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent to reduce mosquito bites and virus transmission.
• While many dengue cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe dengue can develop rapidly after fever subsides, requiring immediate medical attention for symptoms like severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing.