From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 50s
Florida's first dengue death as cases surge
Florida confirms its first dengue death this year as locally acquired cases hit 152, the highest since 2023.
In brief
Florida confirms its first dengue death this year as locally acquired cases hit 152, the highest since 2023. Florida reported its first dengue death in twenty twenty-six as cases surged to one hundred fifty-two, prompting health warnings about the mosquito-borne illness. Originally reported by ABC News.
Florida confirms first dengue death
The Florida Department of Health confirmed the state's first dengue death this year. The patient was an eighty-year-old Tampa woman who died on September fourth.
Cases hit highest level since 2023
Florida has confirmed one hundred fifty-two locally acquired dengue cases as of September twelfth. This is the highest number recorded since twenty twenty-three, when the state saw one hundred eighty-nine cases over the whole year.
Hillsborough County hit hardest
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has reported one hundred thirty-four cases so far this year. Other affected counties include Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco and Pinellas.
How dengue spreads and infects
Dengue viruses spread through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. A person can be infected with dengue multiple times over their lifetime.
Most cases are mild, some severe
About one in four infected people develop symptoms lasting two to seven days, including fever, rash, nausea and muscle pain. About one in twenty develop severe dengue, which can cause shock, internal bleeding and death.
No vaccine available in the US
There is no dengue vaccine currently available in the United States. Treatment involves rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief, though the CDC warns against aspirin or ibuprofen.
Prevention focuses on mosquito control
The CDC recommends using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and staying in air-conditioned spaces. Emptying containers of stagnant water eliminates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
In short
Florida reported its first dengue death in twenty twenty-six as cases surged to one hundred fifty-two, prompting health warnings about the mosquito-borne illness.
