Updated November 13, 2026, 3:46 p.m. ET
- Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in decades, with 624 locally acquired cases reported this year.
- Hillsborough County is the epicenter of the outbreak, with 468 confirmed cases and one death.
- Recent heavy rains could increase the mosquito population and lead to a further increase in cases.
The historic outbreak of dengue fever is worsening. Florida reported 100 additional locally acquired cases in a week, according to the latest update from the Florida Department of Health.
The mosquito-borne disease is also called fracture fever, because of the pain it causes.
That brings the state’s total for the year to 624 as of Nov. 7, the largest outbreak in the U.S. in decades. The previous high for cases in Florida in recent memory was 199 in 2023. In 2025, Florida reported 62 cases.
The numbers could rise further in the coming weeks after record rainfall left roads flooded, ditches full and water standing in many Florida yards.
➤ Prevent dengue fever in your Florida home with this 10-minute mosquito inspection
The bulk of cases continue to be in Hillsborough County on Florida’s west coast, which now has 468 confirmed cases. Neighboring Pinellas County now has 109 cases. Locally acquired cases have been reported in 12 counties.
The outbreak prompted Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise to declare a local state of emergency, which expires Nov. 19 unless the county extends it again as officials “work to control the mosquito population and protect residents from dengue fever.”
One death was confirmed in Hillsborough County, identified as Gay Small, 80, who died of a “dengue infection” accompanied by septic shock and multiple organ failure, according to a death certificate.
The outbreak in Florida far exceeds the previous largest outbreak, which included 264 local cases on the Big Island of Hawaii between September 2015 and March 2016.
In September, President Trump ordered a “campaign” to reduce the mosquito and tick population in Washington, DC. This model could then be “applied as targeted, innovative, non-chemical pest control for the entire nation.”
Dengue isn’t the only mosquito-borne disease plaguing Florida this year, although there are far fewer of them than dengue: West Nile virus, chikungunya and eastern equine encephalitis. Another case from West Nile and Chikungunya was reported last week.
Here’s what you need to know about mosquito-borne illnesses in Florida, what symptoms to watch for and how to best prevent mosquito bites, including tips from the Florida Department of Health.
21 counties subject to mosquito-borne disease advisories and alerts
A mosquito-borne disease advisory has been issued for the following counties:
A mosquito-borne disease alert has been issued for the following counties:
“A mosquito-borne disease advisory means the public should take precautions to reduce mosquito bites due to factors indicative of local disease such as positive sentinels, very few presumptive or positive human cases, or other substantiation,” according to Sarasota County.
“A mosquito-borne disease alert means there has been increased disease activity, a significant increase in vector (disease-capable) mosquito populations, or an increase in locally transmitted human cases.
“Residents should continue to take precautions, but exercise extra caution to prevent mosquito bites.”
Dengue cases continue to rise in Florida
According to Florida Department of Health data released on November 13, 12 counties reported 624 locally acquired dengue cases, up from 524 reported on November 6.
There were also nine locally acquired West Nile virus positive samples and two cases of chikungunya.
- Dengue: 624 cases
- 468 in Hillsborough County
- 109 in Pinellas County
- 16 in Miami-Dade County
- 14 in Orange County
- 6 in Pasco County
- 3 in Citrus County
- 2 in Manatee County
- 2 in Seminole County
- 1 in Brevard County
- 1 in Broward County
- 1 in Palm Beach County
- 1 in Polk County
- West Nile: nine cases
- 2 in Alachua County
- 2 in Duval County (including one asymptomatic blood donor)
- 1 in Columbia County
- 1 in Holmes County
- 1 in Leon (asymptomatic blood donor)
- 1 in Sarasota County
- 1 in Walton County
- Chikungunya: 2 cases
- Eastern equine encephalitis: 1 case
Florida health officials also reported 422 cases of dengue in victims who traveled from an area where dengue is endemic within two weeks of its onset. Counties reporting cases associated with international travel were: Alachua, Bay, Brevard (4), Broward (20), Collier (5), Duval (3), Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough (26), Lake, Lee (19), Manatee (3), Marion (2), Miami-Dade (271), Monroe (3), Orange (8), Osceola (3), Palm Beach (20), Pasco (3), Pinellas (4), Polk (4), Sarasota (2), Seminole (4), St. Johns (4), St. Lucia (8) and Walton. Six cases have been reported in non-Florida residents.
What is Hillsborough County doing to try to control mosquitoes?
“Mosquito control teams are increasing aerial and ground treatments because county mosquito monitoring in many neighborhoods shows dengue virus activity in the mosquito population.
“Residents are encouraged to look for and remove standing water on their property after recent heavy rains.”
Residents can sign up to be notified of where aerial treatment will take place in neighborhoods.
You can also check the county website to find out when and where mosquito “operations” are planned.
Florida residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses
“Residents across the state should continue to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses by appropriately applying insect repellent, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible – especially at sunrise and sunset, when mosquitoes are most active,” FDOH Press Secretary Isabella White said via email Sept. 23.
White said the FDOH “continues to coordinate with local mosquito control partners to support surveillance and targeted response efforts in affected areas. These efforts help reduce mosquito populations, limit the risk of disease transmission, and protect residents throughout Florida.”
What are the symptoms of dengue and broken fever?
“Dengue can be a painful and debilitating illness, but it is rarely fatal,” the Florida Department of Health said. Symptoms appear three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include:
- sudden onset of fever
- severe headache
- eye pain
- muscle and joint pain (giving the disease the nickname “fracture fever”)
- bleeding
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may also be present in some cases.
“Symptoms of dengue usually last four to seven days. The illness is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to those of the flu and other viruses,” the CDC said.
“About one in 20 people infected with the dengue virus develop severe dengue fever, a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention,” according to YaleMedicine.
Why is dengue called “broken fever”?
Dengue is sometimes called “break fever” because, in addition to fever, “it can cause severe pain, especially in the legs, joints, and back,” according to YaleMedicine.
Dengue does not actually cause bones to break, according to YaleMedicine.
Is dengue contagious?
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes contract dengue fever after biting a person infected with the virus. These infected mosquitoes then transmit the virus to other people through their bites.
The Centers for Disease Control has said that a woman infected with the dengue virus during pregnancy could pass the virus to her fetus, leading to fetal death, low birth weight or premature birth.
Can dengue be treated?
“While there is no cure for dengue fever and there are no specific medications for the disease, adequate hydration and plenty of rest, as well as taking acetaminophen for pain and fever can help relieve symptoms while the body’s immune system fights the virus,” according to YaleMedicine.
“In most cases, people recover from dengue fever within a week. For people with severe dengue fever, treatment by medical professionals can significantly reduce the risk of death.”
What are the best mosquito repellents to use?
According to the Florida Department of Health, repellents containing the following active ingredients provide the best protection:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Para-menthane-diol
- 2-undecanone, a plant-based ingredient
“Drain and cover” helps keep mosquitoes away
The FDOH offered this tip to help keep mosquitoes away from your Florida home:
Drain
- Empty water from trash cans, old tires, pool covers, or any other container where water accumulates.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and ensure they are properly chlorinated.
- Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Blanket
- If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up.
- Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
- Use a mosquito net to protect children under 2 months old.
Cheryl McCloud and CA Bridges are reporters on the Connect Service Journalism team at the USA TODAY Network-Florida. You can get all the best Florida content delivered straight to your inbox every weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters.
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