Florida Dengue Outbreak Surges Past 250 Cases as Officials Target Mosquitoes

Florida is battling what appears to be the largest dengue outbreak seen in the continental United States in decades, and much of it is concentrated around Tampa.

The state had recorded 252 locally acquired dengue infections through Sept. 26, according to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance data. Of those, 223 were reported in Hillsborough County.

Dengue is a viral illness spread primarily through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash, though some infections cause no symptoms at all.

The outbreak has become serious enough that Hillsborough County declared a local state of emergency in September and extended it through Oct. 8.

Florida Neighborhoods Are Being Treated From The Air

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ICYMI: Last week, the Florida Department of Health joined mosquito control experts in Hillsborough County to remind Floridians to protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne illness following an increase in locally acquired dengue infections.

Remember the three core mosquito prevention measures:
🦟 Spray insect repellent.
👕 Cover with clothing.
💧 Drain standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

— Florida Department of Health (@HealthyFla) September 9, 2026

Hillsborough County has intensified its response as surveillance traps in multiple neighborhoods show dengue virus activity in mosquito populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes surveillance traps as devices used to collect mosquitoes so officials can monitor mosquito populations.

The response has included both ground treatments and helicopters flying over residential areas. On Oct. 5, Hillsborough County announced another round of aerial treatment over areas including South Tampa and Palm River. Helicopters were scheduled to apply insecticide targeting adult mosquitoes from an altitude of about 150 feet.

Other helicopters are targeting mosquito larvae in standing water, as part of a daytime operation. The county said crews are using a naturally occurring bacterium called Bti to interrupt the mosquitoes’ life cycle before they reach adulthood.

The problem isn’t confined to Hillsborough. Locally acquired infections have also been reported in several other Florida counties, with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County announcing a newly confirmed case on Oct. 5.

Officials Ask Residents to Check Their Own Yards

For homeowners, one of the most important defenses may be right outside the door. Florida health and mosquito-control officials are asking residents to dump or cover standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

That includes water collecting in flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, pet bowls, gutters, tarps, and other containers around homes and businesses. Officials also recommend wearing clothing that covers the skin and using an EPA-registered insect repellent.

Hillsborough County has even highlighted discarded tires as a potential breeding ground and is allowing eligible residents to dispose of up to 12 tires a year at county collection sites.

With mosquito traps still detecting the virus, the fight is taking place not only at the public-health level, but in neighborhoods and backyards.