Florida has reported its first dengue fever death of 2026 as the state experiences a surge in mosquito-borne illnesses, according to the Florida Department of Health. The fatality occurred in Hillsborough County, which state officials have identified as the hotspot for locally acquired cases this year.
First Dengue Fever Death Reported in Florida
The victim has been identified as 80-year-old Gay Small. According to a death certificate, Small died of a dengue infection accompanied by multi-organ failure and septic shock. While the Florida Department of Health acknowledged the death in Hillsborough County after completing an epidemiological investigation, a spokesperson stated that further details regarding the case remain confidential to protect the individual’s privacy.
Surge in Local Cases and Regional Impact
As of September 12, 2026, Florida officials reported a total of 338 dengue cases for the year. Of these, 152 were acquired locally within the state, while the remainder were linked to international travel. This represents a 145% increase in locally acquired cases compared to 2025, which saw 62 such instances.
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has borne the brunt of the outbreak with 134 of the 152 local cases. Other counties reporting confirmed cases include:
- Miami-Dade
- Orange
- Palm Beach
- Pasco
- Pinellas
The current volume of local cases is the highest recorded since 2023, a year in which the state saw 189 locally acquired cases. As of September 17, 11 Florida counties were under either a mosquito-borne illness alert or advisory.
Symptoms and Medical Risks
Dengue is a viral disease spread by the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which are commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically appear between three and 15 days after a bite and often resemble the flu, including:
- Fever, nausea, and vomiting
- Rash
- Severe muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Aches and pains
While the Florida Department of Health noted that the disease is rarely fatal, the CDC warns that approximately 1 in 20 infected people develop severe dengue, also known as hemorrhagic fever. This more serious condition can cause internal bleeding, blood in stool or vomit, bleeding from the gums or nose, and abdominal pain.
There are currently no disease-specific treatments or vaccines available in the U.S. Medical professionals recommend rest, fluids, and acetaminophen for symptom relief. The CDC specifically warns patients to avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can trigger bleeding of the stomach lining or inflammation.
Prevention and State Response
In response to the spike in cases, affected counties have increased mosquito spraying efforts. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo has urged residents to take individual precautions to protect themselves and the community, including the use of insect repellent and the removal of standing water around homes.
Health officials recommend the following prevention measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and avoid bites:
- Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents to clothing and exposed skin.
- Home Maintenance: Repair damaged screens on porches, patios, windows, and doors.
- Water Control: Drain water from flowerpots, buckets, coolers, toys, and discarded tires, as a single tire filled with water can allow hundreds of mosquitoes to breed.
The Florida Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for other mosquito-borne illnesses, including malaria, chikungunya, St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
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