Florida has reported the first dengue fever death of 2026 as cases of mosquito-borne illnesses surge in the state.
The death occurred in Hillsborough County, the hotspot of this year's dengue cases, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Health shared with USA TODAY on Friday, Sept. 18.
"We are reminding all residents and visitors throughout the state to take precautions from mosquito-borne illnesses by appropriately applying insect repellent, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, draining any standing water, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible – especially during sunrise and sunset, when mosquitoes are most active," spokesperson Claire Maher said in a statement.
The Tampa Bay Times was the first to report
on the death, which it says occurred at Tampa General Hospital. The victim was 80-year-old Gay Small, the outlet reported. She died of “dengue infection” along with “septic shock” and “multi-organ failure," according to a death certificate obtained by the Times.
How many 2026 dengue cases in Florida
Florida officials have reported 338 cases of dengue fever this year as of Sept. 12, with 152 case acquired within the state and the rest from international travel. Of those local cases, 134 were reported in Hillsborough County. The other 18 cases have been reported in Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Pasco, Orange, and Palm Beach counties.
That's a 145% increase in locally acquired cases over 2025, which saw 62.
As of Sept. 24, 11 counties were under either a mosquito-borne illness advisory or mosquito-borne illness alert.
What is dengue fever? What are the symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dengue symptoms are very flu-like and include aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and rash. About 1 in 20 people who contract dengue develop a more serious illness called hemorrhagic fever, which can bring symptoms like abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, and blood in stool or vomit.
"Dengue fever can be a painful, debilitating disease but is rarely fatal," the Florida Department of Health said. Symptoms appear three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Where has dengue been reported in Florida?
According to the Florida Department of Health, as of Sept. 17, Florida had reported 152 locally acquired dengue cases, up from 111 reported on Sept. 5.
- Hillsborough County: 134 (which jumped from 95 the week before)
- Miami-Dade County: 7
- Pinellas County: 7
- Pasco County: 2
- Orange County: 1
- Palm Beach County: 1
Which Florida counties are at risk for dengue fever?
A mosquito-borne illness advisory (meaning residents should avoid mosquito bites) has been issued for the following counties:
- Alachua
- Brevard
- Leon
- Orange
- Palm Beach
- Pasco
- Walton
A mosquito-borne illness alert (meaning there has been a rise in disease activity and residents should take extra precautions) has been issued for the following counties:
- Duval
- Hillsborough
- Miami-Dade
- Pinellas
What is Florida doing to prevent dengue infections?
The Florida Department of Health has advised residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
“Use insect repellent, cover up when possible, and remove standing water around your home. Individual prevention helps protect you and your community,” State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo said in a release.
Affected counties have increased mosquito spraying. So far, health department data show 16 DENV-2-infected mosquito pools in Hillsborough County.
How to avoid dengue fever
The best way is to avoid mosquito bites, especially if you live in an area under a mosquito alert or advisory.
According to the Florida Department of Health, repellentswith the following active ingredients provide the best protection:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Para-menthane-diol
- 2-undecanone, a plant-derived ingredient
'Drain and cover' helps keep mosquitoes away
The FDOH offered this advice to help keep mosquitoes away from your home:
Drain
- Drain water from garbage cans, old tires, pool covers or any other containers where water collects.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and ensure they are appropriately chlorinated.
- Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover
- If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up.
- Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
C. A. Bridges and Cheryl McCloud are journalists for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida reports 1st dengue death, more cases. Check your county's risk
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