Florida Faces Rising Dengue Fever Threat Amid First Death
WHO:
ABC News - The Florida Department of Health confirmed the state's first death from dengue fever this year.
CNN - The patient was described as an 80-year-old woman from Tampa.
WHAT:
ABC News - The Florida Department of Health confirmed that there have been 152 locally acquired cases of dengue this year as of the week ending Sept. 12.
CNN - Hillsborough County Health Department issued a mosquito-borne illness alert in August due to reports of multiple locally acquired cases.
ABC News - Florida has confirmed 152 locally acquired cases of dengue this year.
ABC News - This is the highest number recorded since 2023, when the state saw 189 locally acquired cases.
CNN - The death of the elderly woman was confirmed on Sept. 18, 2026.
CNN - Hillsborough County has reported 134 cases of dengue this summer.
WHERE:
ABC News - The first death occurred in Tampa, Florida.
ABC News - Other counties with confirmed cases include Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, and Pinellas.
WHEN:
ABC News - The patient died on Sept. 4.
CNN - The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death on Sept. 18, 2026.
WHY:
CNN - Dengue is increasingly being caught at home, as the disease is often associated with tropical vacations.
ABC News - Dengue viruses are spread through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which are found in tropical and subtropical regions.
CNN - The increase in dengue cases is attributed to warmer temperatures, rapid urban growth, and global travel.
HOW:
CNN - The dengue virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, which are commonly found in Florida.
ABC News - The CDC recommends using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, and staying in air-conditioned places to prevent dengue infection.
ABC News - There are no disease-specific treatments for dengue; care involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
(UPDATED September 22, 2026 01:22 UTC)
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 152 locally acquired cases of dengue this year as of the week ending September 12. In response to the rising number of cases, the Hillsborough County Health Department issued a mosquito-borne illness alert in August, highlighting that dengue is increasingly being contracted at home rather than during tropical vacations. The dengue virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species, which are commonly found in Florida.
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(UPDATED September 21, 2026 20:00 UTC)
Florida has reported its first death from dengue fever this year, involving an 80-year-old woman from Tampa, with the state confirming a total of 152 locally acquired cases, the highest since 2023. The elderly woman passed away on September 4, and her death was confirmed by the Florida Department of Health on September 18, with Hillsborough County alone accounting for 134 cases this summer. Dengue viruses are transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, and health officials recommend preventive measures such as using mosquito repellents and wearing long clothing to reduce the risk of infection.