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By Alice Gibbs
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Three Florida counties have declared a state of emergency as dengue fever continues to spread across the state.
This comes weeks after the state reported its first 2026 death related to the mosquito-borne disease. Dengue fever continues to spread across parts of the United States, with over 2,000 cases recorded nationwide this year.
An 80-year-old woman from Hillsborough County died on September 4 from complications including septic shock and multiple organ failure after contracting the virus.
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A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health told Newsweek that they remain focused on "protecting Florida’s communities through ongoing prevention and response efforts," adding that they are sharing prevention messaging through social media, local media and community partners.
Florida Counties Declare State of Emergency
Three Florida counties have declared a state of emergency as dengue fever continues to spread across the state.
Pasco County, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County have each made emergency declarations in response to the spread of the disease**.**
This state of emergency allows county officials to speed up mosquito-control measures like spraying treatments, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts and seek federal assistance or reimbursement.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that usually causes flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and severe joint pain.
It is not generally fatal, but in rare cases can progress to life-threatening complications such as shock, internal bleeding and organ failure.
Dengue Fever in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of widespread dengue transmission in the continental United States remains low, and most cases are as a result of people coming back from other countries with higher levels of dengue.
Of the 1,927 dengue cases reported in U.S. states and territories this year, Puerto Rico has recorded 907 and American Samoa 437, according to CDC data.
Florida's 332 reported cases are the highest among U.S. states. State health officials have also reported more than 150 locally acquired infections this year, meaning residents were infected within Florida rather than during travel abroad.
While dengue has reappeared periodically in Florida since 2009, Kristi Miley, a professor in the Global Health Infectious Disease Research Center at the University of South Florida, told Newsweek that the current pattern appears to reflect a concentrated outbreak in the Tampa Bay area rather than a statewide surge. "The Bay Area has seen more locally acquired cases than in previous years, indicating a localized outbreak in Hillsborough County's mosquito population rather than a statewide increase," she said.
What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
Dengue symptoms usually begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and commonly include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting and rash, according to the CDC.
Around one in four people infected with dengue will become sick, and most will recover within a week. Though experts say older adults, young children and people who are immunocompromised face a greater risk of developing severe disease. Dengue can also be more severe in people who have previously been infected with a different strain of the virus.
Signs of severe dengue fever include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool and extreme fatigue.
"Many people may not seek care and fully recover without incidence; however it can be life-threatening for some," Miley said.
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How Unusual Is the Dengue Outbreak?
The outbreak is unusual for the Tampa Bay region. Miley explained that Hillsborough County "has not recorded this level of dengue infection since the 1930s."
Recent outbreaks in Florida have been largely linked to recent warm weather. Health officials say warm temperatures and rainfall can increase mosquito populations and create conditions that allow outbreaks to occur.
Miley explained that Florida's rainy season creates ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue. The insects can reproduce in very small amounts of standing water and are considered "day-biters," increasing exposure risk for people who spend time outdoors.
Hillsborough County authorities have increased mosquito-control efforts during the outbreak, including spraying and monitoring mosquito populations. "The Department also continues to coordinate with local mosquito control partners to support surveillance and targeted response efforts in affected areas," the Florida Department of Health said. "These efforts help reduce mosquito populations, limit the risk of disease transmission, and protect residents across Florida."
Officials have said recent surveillance suggests transmission may be slowing, although residents are still being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Update 09/22/26 02:45 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional comments.
Update 09/30/26 03:27 a.m. ET: This story was updated with a new headline and new information.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick, Emma Lee-Sang and Tony Phillips.
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