Florida’s facing its worst dengue fever outbreak in decades. Just last Friday, September 18, 2026, state health officials confirmed that a Hillsborough County resident died from the disease, a rare tragedy for this area. The Tampa Bay Times reported she was an elderly woman from Tampa, and she passed away on her 80th birthday, September 4.
Normally, Hillsborough County might see only a handful of dengue cases each year. This time, over 130 people have fallen ill, far outside the norm.
Florida’s dengue numbers keep climbing. Statewide, there are 152 locally acquired cases already, coming just second to last year’s almost 200. And it’s not just Tampa; Orange County issued a mosquito alert after new cases popped up in Apopka and Pine Hills.
Dengue spreads through a virus carried by mosquitoes, especially as warmer weather expands their territory. Climate change plays a part, making conditions friendlier for these insects and the diseases they carry.
Decades ago, dengue in the U.S. mostly came from travelers returning from abroad or from Puerto Rico. In 2009-2010, Key West saw the first locally acquired cases in the continental U.S. (outside Texas) since 1945. Things have changed since then.
Many people who get dengue never show symptoms, so the actual number of infections is probably higher than what health officials can count. When people do get sick, they deal with headaches, fevers, and flu-like symptoms. The severe cases are dangerous. They can cause serious bleeding, shock, and sometimes death.
Globally, the World Health Organization reports more than 2.2 million infections and nearly 1,200 deaths so far this year. In the U.S., nearly 1,500 locally acquired cases have happened (most in Puerto Rico), according to the CDC.
Currently, the outbreak’s focused north of Tampa. Hillsborough County crews are spraying for mosquitoes constantly, checking yards for pooled water, old tires and clogged gutters are favorite spots for breeding. Local mosquito management said recent tests aren’t finding the virus in local mosquitoes, which hints the outbreak might be slowing.
Outbreaks often begin when someone catches dengue while traveling, comes home, and a mosquito bites them, then spreads the virus to others. With Florida’s climate and resident mosquitoes, dengue isn’t going away anytime soon.
Click here for a link to the CDC.
Click here for a link to the World Health Organization.
