Florida Reports More Than 150 Local Dengue Cases, Including South Florida Counties
Florida health officials say more than 150 cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported in the state this year, including infections in several South Florida counties.
The Florida Department of Health’s Weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report for Sept. 6 through Sept. 12 shows 152 locally acquired dengue cases and 16 mosquito pools reported from six counties in 2026. During that one-week period alone, 41 local dengue cases were reported in Florida.
Hillsborough County recorded 134 of the 152 cases this year. Miami-Dade County reported seven, Pinellas County reported seven, Pasco County reported two, and Orange and Palm Beach counties each reported one.
Dengue can show up as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever and, sometimes, a rash, according to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. Symptoms generally appear within 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
The virus is not contagious from person to person. It is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, the species also linked to chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Health officials said local transmission means infected mosquitoes are circulating in affected communities, making mosquito control and source reduction especially important.
In June, Miami-Dade County urged residents to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, including frequently checking for and eliminating standing water. The county said that remains the best protection against container-breeding mosquitoes, which are the likeliest species to transmit the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever.
Standing water often collects after rainfall or irrigation in potted planters, saucers, outdoor toys, coolers and boat or car tarps, according to the county. A Florida Department of Health flyer notes that as little as one teaspoon or bottle cap of water left standing for more than a week can be enough for mosquitoes to breed and multiply.
For personal protection, mosquito repellent can help prevent bites outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. The county also recommends:
- Covering windows, doors and other home entrances with mesh screens.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants to maximize skin protection.
- Cleaning rain gutters regularly so water does not pool inside them.
- Filling indentations in lawns, air conditioner drain areas and tree holes.
- Replacing water in outdoor pet dishes and birdbaths regularly.
- Requesting a mosquito inspection through the county’s online portal.
Florida’s warm, wet climate can create ideal conditions for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carries dengue. While many infections are mild, severe dengue can require hospitalization, so officials are urging residents to remove standing water and protect themselves from bites.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Florida TODAY newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Over 150 Florida cases of dengue this year, some in South Florida counties