Dengue fever is on the rise globally, and experts say its spread is due to the expansion of mosquitoes into new areas. According to reports, on September 8, 2026, an elderly woman in Florida lost her life, which her family attributed to dengue fever, although the Florida Department of Health has not yet confirmed this.
Outbreak Report in Hillsborough County
This death is likely part of a larger dengue fever outbreak in Hillsborough County, where 95 cases have been reported since July 2026. In August, the Hillsborough County Health Department issued warnings about mosquito-borne diseases and reported multiple local cases. These local cases clearly indicate that a disease that most Americans associate with tropical travel is increasingly spreading domestically.
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Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid cities and can breed in the smallest amounts of standing water. More than 75% of people infected with this virus show no symptoms, while for the remaining 25%, symptoms appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
Most people with dengue fever recover after a week, but about one in every 20 patients develops severe dengue fever, which can be life-threatening. In such cases, symptoms like severe abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, and bleeding from the gums or nose may occur.
Dengue fever is increasing globally, and the World Health Organization recorded over 14 million cases in 2024. This number represents a 2600% increase compared to over 500,000 reported cases in 2000. Rising temperatures, rapid urbanization, and global travel have contributed to the spread of mosquitoes and the virus.
In the United States, most dengue fever cases are typically reported from travel to countries affected by the disease. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded nearly 1,900 travel-related cases. Florida, with the highest risk among the 50 states, reported over 300 local dengue fever cases between 2010 and 2024.
To prevent dengue fever, it is recommended to avoid mosquito bites and consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
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Source: independent.co.uk
