Florida reports rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases

Florida is experiencing a rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases, a mosquito-borne virus often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the severe joint and muscle pain it causes. While dengue was historically associated with international travel, recent data shows increasing transmission within the state.

In a single reporting week between August 23 and August 29, Florida reported 32 new locally acquired cases, bringing the state's 2024 total to 73. A significant concentration of these infections is occurring in the Tampa Bay region, which accounts for 65 of the 73 cases. Hillsborough County has recorded 59 cases, while Pinellas and Pasco counties have also reported infections.

Health officials have issued mosquito-borne illness alerts for Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Pinellas counties, with additional advisories in place for several other regions including Palm Beach and Orange counties. Testing has confirmed the presence of the DENV-2 virus in mosquito pools within Hillsborough County. Nationally, U.S.-reported dengue cases reached a record 3,798 in 2024, a 359% increase over the previous annual average.