Florida Reports Local Dengue Cases and Expands Mosquito Control

Florida health officials are responding to locally acquired dengue infections and West Nile virus activity with mosquito control measures and public health advisories. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County confirmed two locally transmitted dengue cases on October 19, 2026, while officials in other parts of the state reported additional infections and urged residents to reduce mosquito exposure.

In Orange County, health officials had confirmed four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills as of October 12, according to the county government. Orange County Mosquito Control scheduled aerial spraying for October 20 and October 24 to reduce mosquito populations and limit further transmission.

The planned treatments cover portions of central and south Apopka, South Apopka, Clarcona, Paradise Heights, and areas north of Lake Apopka. In Pine Hills, targeted locations include neighborhoods near West Colonial Drive, North Pine Hills Road, West Washington Street, Bel-Aire Woods, and Orlo Vista. Apopka High School is outside the treatment area.

County officials said thunderstorms could affect spraying schedules. They also advised that residents do not need to take additional precautions for pets, livestock, or gardens because the products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The Tampa Bay region is also experiencing a dengue outbreak, particularly in Hillsborough County. According to a state database cited by WUSF, Hillsborough recorded 310 confirmed cases from July through October 10, while neighboring Pinellas County reported 37.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have declared local emergencies and increased mosquito control activities, including insecticide spraying. Officials have also urged residents to remove discarded tires and other objects that collect standing water, which provides breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The outbreak has affected residents who had not expected to contract the disease locally. Maurice Kurtz, a 73-year-old St. Petersburg resident, developed symptoms in September and later received a confirmed dengue diagnosis after seeking medical attention.

Kurtz said he woke up on September 19 with a temperature of 101 degrees and severe fatigue. Tests for influenza and COVID-19 were negative, prompting him to seek a dengue test after recognizing that his symptoms could match the mosquito-borne infection.

“I just got a mosquito bite and I’m recovering from this disease, which has a reputation of being this rare tropical thing,” the 73-year-old said. “The likelihood of you getting it is very, very slim. But it could happen to you – and in [my] case, it did.”

Kurtz told CIDRAP News that he did not know when or where an infected mosquito had bitten him. He recalled swatting insects while speaking with neighbors outside his home one evening and later struggled to resume his usual swimming, cycling, and running routines while recovering.

Elsewhere in Florida, the Beach Mosquito Control District issued a West Nile virus advisory in the Panama City Beach area. Cindy Mulla of the district said surveillance conducted in September identified 10 chickens that tested positive for West Nile virus, along with one positive mosquito pool.

Mulla explained that dengue spreads through infected mosquitoes rather than direct contact between people. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from an infected person and can transmit it to another person through subsequent bites.

“The virus dengue fever is spread from mosquito to human. And then, again, mosquito to humans,” Mulla said. “So, the mosquito is one that is responsible for transmitting the disease. You cannot get dengue by standing by somebody who has dengue.”

Health officials across the affected areas recommend checking properties at least weekly for standing water. Rain gutters should remain clear, and water should be emptied from birdbaths, buckets, toys, tarps, kayaks, flowerpots, pool covers, coolers, and other containers.

Mulla also emphasized the importance of using insect repellent registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and following product instructions for reapplication. Protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants, can further reduce exposure to mosquito bites.

“Please, when you go outdoors, make sure you’re wearing an EPA-approved repellent, and you want to reapply it, just like the sunscreen,” Mulla said. “The lower the percentage of the protectant ingredient, the more frequently you have to reapply it. Read the label, the label’s the law, and that’s the best way to protect yourself.”

Dengue and West Nile infections can begin with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Dengue may also cause joint pain and a rash, while severe cases of mosquito-borne diseases can lead to dangerous bleeding or inflammation of the brain and nervous system.

“Well, the problem is with the mosquito-borne diseases, they start off as being flu-like symptoms. You’re going to have a fever,” Mulla said.

The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County advised residents to repair damaged window and door screens, wear loose-fitting protective clothing, and use EPA-registered repellents as directed. Officials also emphasized that dengue is not spread through ordinary person-to-person contact and requires transmission by an infected mosquito.