Three new cases of Dengue fever in Lee County and a death from the disease in Hillsborough County are part of the reported rise in cases of the mosquito-spread virus in Florida.
Cases of the disease in the U.S. are typically picked up elsewhere in the world and brought home by travelers. That is the situation with the three cases in Lee County according to Jennifer McBride, Lee County Mosquito Control public information officer.
McBride said those in Lee County who acquired the disease contracted it in Cuba and that there have been no locally-obtained dengue cases.
"It starts with an international case," she said. "We have people travel somewhere, they've been bitten by a mosquito that's infected with dengue. They come back. The thing about dengue is about 80% of patients actually are asymptomatic. They don't have symptoms, which could be a problem. So they come back to here and a mosquito will bite them. It becomes infected with the dengue and then it will bite someone that has not traveled and it becomes localized. And very quickly then that takes off. So those mosquitoes are then transmitting a local case of dengue."
In the United States, there have been nearly 1,500 locally acquired U.S. cases, most of them in Puerto Rico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Florida’s largest number — nearly 200 — was reported in 2023.
This year, Florida alone reported 152 locally acquired cases of the disease, meaning it was spread by mosquito bites in the state. 134 of the cases are in Hillsborough County. Dengue can cause a high fever, joint pain and headache.
The current outbreak is centered just north of Tampa, and workers have been spraying to kill mosquitoes day and night. They also have been checking properties for pooled water, including in tires, where mosquitoes might breed, said Paolo Pecora, senior environmental scientist for Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services.
The CDC shows that more than 330 cases have been reported in Florida in 2026 with eight cases in Lee County.
McBride said that many of the cases reported in Hillsborough have also been linked to being acquired in Cuba.
For now, McBride said, Lee County Mosquito Control personnel have been going door-to-door in Lee County requesting access to backyards and other areas to look for possible breeding sites for mosquitoes such as standing water in containers.
The type of mosquito linked to the dengue cases is what's identified as the "backyard mosquito" also known as aedes aegypti.
Another viral disease spread by mosquitoes is chikungunya. In the week ended September 12, eight new cases were reported in Miami-Dade county. This illness also is characterized by a high fever and joint pain.
The best way to avoid transmission is to avoid mosquito bites. Drain standing water from around your home, wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when possible, and protect yourself with mosquito repellant.
Dengue at a glance/CDC data
- All four dengue viruses are spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
- Protect yourself from dengue by avoiding mosquito bites.
- There are no dengue vaccines currently available in the United States.
Prevention
The best way to prevent dengue is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes in and around your home.
If you think you have dengue
- See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue. Tell him or her about any recent travel.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside of the US) to control fever and relieve pain — Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drink water or drinks with added electrolytes.
- For mild symptoms, care for a sick infant, child, or family member at home.
Important tip
If you have dengue, prevent mosquito bites. During the first week of illness, dengue can be found in the blood. The virus can be passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
