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Florida's dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental US in decades, with over 250 reported cases
State health officials say the outbreak has 252 locally acquired cases, with Hillsborough County accounting for most infections and one death reported.
- Florida health officials reported more than 250 locally acquired dengue cases this year, primarily in Hillsborough County near Tampa. This surge represents the largest dengue outbreak in the continental United States in several decades, nearing the 264-case Hawaii record.
- Tulane University expert Dawn Wesson noted the surge stems from travel patterns and low prior immunity in the Tampa area. Antibodies from a primary dengue infection may fail to neutralize a secondary strain, potentially facilitating viral entry into immune cells.
- One dengue death occurred on Sept. 4 involving an elderly Tampa woman. Locally acquired cases have surpassed travel-associated infections by a count of 252 to 245 as of last week, indicating sustained transmission within Florida.
- Federal health officials provided $800,000 in assistance to the state health department to bolster the response. Workers have been spraying to kill mosquitoes and checking properties for pooled water where the insects might breed.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show nearly 1,900 locally acquired United States cases this year, mostly in Puerto Rico. Florida's total is already higher than the 2023 state record of under 200 cases.
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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