Florida is experiencing a significant dengue outbreak, with Hillsborough County accounting for the majority of the state’s locally acquired cases. According to the Florida Department of Health’s surveillance report for Oct. 11-17, 2026, Florida has recorded 425 locally acquired dengue cases, including 346 in Hillsborough County. The outbreak has prompted increased mosquito-control efforts and public health outreach across the Tampa Bay area.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted primarily through infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, both of which are found in Florida. It is widely accepted among scientists that this disease evolved from viruses transmitted between mosquitoes and primates in both Africa and Asia. In the 18th century, dengue was known as “bone break fever” due to muscle and joint stiffness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. While many infections are mild, severe dengue can cause serious complications and, in some cases, death.
The current outbreak is particularly concerning because locally acquired cases indicate that transmission is occurring within Florida rather than exclusively among people returning from travel. This means infected mosquitoes are spreading the virus within local communities…