The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 296 cases of locally acquired dengue fever in 2026, with nearly 88% of cases concentrated in Hillsborough County. Hillsborough County officials indicate the actual case numbers are likely higher due to pending laboratory results. This outbreak has resulted in one confirmed death in Hillsborough County. Twenty mosquito pools across eight counties have tested positive for dengue, indicating widespread presence of the virus. Pinellas County has extended its state of emergency until October 15th to address the growing outbreak. The virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has seen a sharp increase in cases during the summer months with 21 cases in July, 154 in August, and 121 in September. While most infections are asymptomatic, those who do experience symptoms may suffer from high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Pinellas County officials have also noted an increase in West Nile virus activity in sentinel chicken coops as an early warning for potential human transmission.
Key Points:
- There have been 296 confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever in Florida in 2026, with nearly 88% reported in Hillsborough County.
