Florida is currently experiencing a dengue fever outbreak.
Health officials in the state have reported over 250 cases of locally acquired dengue fever in 2026 so far, with the majority occurring in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. As noted by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, this outbreak seems to be the largest in several decades across the continental U.S.
The situation has led to a local emergency declaration in Hillsborough County and its neighboring areas, with crews applying insecticides continuously to tackle the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease.
If you’re planning to visit Florida soon, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue, which is pronounced DEHN-gay and often called “breakbone fever” due to the severe pain it can inflict, is a viral infection transmitted through mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions.
Most people who get infected usually experience mild or no symptoms at all and can recover within a week or two, although they might feel tired for a bit longer afterward. But in some cases, severe dengue can develop, which is quite serious and may require hospitalization. Interestingly, those who have had dengue before are more susceptible to its severe form.
Currently, there’s no specific cure for dengue; treatment mainly focuses on managing pain.
The spread of dengue has been increasing significantly in recent decades, partly due to climate change. Warmer temperatures extend the breeding season for mosquitoes and speed up the development of larvae. Consequently, dengue is reaching new regions that were previously too cool for mosquitoes, even affecting parts of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to the WHO, 2024 experienced an unprecedented number of dengue cases, with over 14.6 million cases reported and more than 12,000 deaths worldwide.
How to protect yourself
Historically, some regions in Florida have posed a dengue risk, but the ongoing outbreak increases the likelihood of contracting the virus, particularly if you’re visiting the Tampa area.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you should change your plans, but it’s wise to stay vigilant.
Presently, there isn’t a widely available vaccine for dengue. Since the virus primarily spreads through mosquitoes, the best approach is to avoid bites by wearing appropriate clothing and using mosquito repellent outdoors.
Personally, I find that using permethrin on clothing is effective before traveling. After it dries, it remains odorless and waterproof, lasting through several washes. In areas with a lot of mosquitoes, I tend to wear permethrin-treated pants and long sleeves and apply bug spray on exposed skin.
What to do if you get sick
While in Florida, it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms of dengue, which can include:
- high fever
- severe headache or pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- nausea or vomiting
- swollen glands
- rash
If you experience these symptoms, there’s a good chance they can be managed at home and will subside within one to two weeks.
However, if you start to notice symptoms of severe dengue—typically occurring after the fever goes down—it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately:
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting
- rapid breathing
- bleeding gums or nose
- extreme fatigue
- restlessness
- blood in vomit or stool
- extreme thirst
- cold, pale skin
- weakness
It’s worth noting that dengue is not transmitted from person to person, so you don’t have to worry about passing the virus to those traveling with you.
Bottom line
Florida is a popular destination for tourists seeking its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and natural wonders like the Everglades. However, it is also home to numerous mosquitoes that are active year-round due to the warm climate.
This ongoing dengue outbreak shouldn’t deter you from traveling this winter, but it is vital to take necessary precautions. Be sure to pack appropriate attire and insect repellent to shield yourself from mosquitoes, and familiarize yourself with dengue symptoms just in case you need medical assistance.
With these measures, you can enjoy your travels more safely and with less worry.
