More than 150 cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported this year in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health's Weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report, some in South Florida counties.
The report for the period from Sept. 6 through Sept. 12 says that "152 cases of locally acquired dengue and 16 mosquito pools have been reported from six counties" in 2026. From Sept. 6 to Sept. 12 alone, 41 cases of locally acquired dengue were reported in Florida.
Hillsborough County saw 134 of the 152 reported cases this year, while Miami-Dade saw seven, Orange County saw one, Palm Beach saw one, Pasco County saw two and Pinellas County saw 7.
Dengue can present as "a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain," along with fever
and "sometimes" a rash, according to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.
Symptoms of dengue will appear within 14 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue is not contagious, and is transmitted via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
How to best prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
In June, Miami-Dade County encouraged residents to "take proactive steps" to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, including "frequently checking for and eliminating any standing water." That's the best protection against "container-breeding mosquitoes," said a press release by the county, which are the "likeliest species to transmit the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever," illnesses that are among those most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes.
Standing water usually accumulates after rainfall or irrigation in items like potted planters, saucers, outdoor toys, coolers and boat/car tarps, according to the release.
"As little as one teaspoon or bottle cap of water standing for more than one week is enough for mosquitoes to breed and multiply," according to a flyer provided by the FDOH.
As for individual protection, mosquito repellent can help prevent bites while outdoors, especially between "dusk and dawn," when mosquitoes are most active.
The county also suggests:
- Covering entrances to one's home, including windows and doors, with mesh screens.
- Wearing clothes with long sleeves and pant legs to "maximize skin protection."
- Regularly cleaning rain gutters to avoid water pooling within them.
- Filling up indentations in one's lawn, air conditioner drain areas and tree holes.
- Regularly replacing water in outdoor pet dishes and birdbaths.
- Requesting a mosquito inspection via the county’s online portal.
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 day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Over 150 Florida cases of dengue this year, some in South Florida counties
