Florida has recorded 524 locally acquired dengue cases in 2026, the largest such outbreak in the U.S. in decades. Scientists cite mosquitoes, cases imported from abroad and climate change among the causes.
The state’s total of local cases stood at 524 as of Oct. 31. The most cases, 407, were confirmed in Hillsborough County on the west coast. Local cases have now been reported in 12 counties. In the week of Oct. 25 to 31, the Florida Department of Health confirmed 39 new cases, mainly in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
By comparison, Florida reported 62 such cases in 2025. The previous largest outbreak in the U.S. was 264 local cases in Hawaii (the Big Island) between September 2015 and March 2016.
Eva Buckner, an entomologist at the University of Florida, called the situation unprecedented. She explained that dengue has been very active worldwide lately, which means many travel-related cases are arriving in Florida. The state also has the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit the virus.
Erin Mordecai of Stanford co-authored a study last year. It found that climate change increases the likelihood of temperatures reaching 84°F (about 29°C), which is optimal for dengue transmission, in more places. By estimate, about 18% of the global dengue burden is attributable to climate change that had already occurred between 1995 and 2014. The researcher projects that transmission will continue to rise through the middle of the century, by 76% by 2050 in the worst-case emissions scenario.
Experts also point to the weather: after record rainfall, standing water remains in many yards, which could increase the number of cases in the coming weeks. For now, weekly case counts are declining slightly, though they persist, as cooler and drier air arrives.
Health officials are urging people to protect themselves from bites. They recommend removing standing water and using insect repellent. Dengue symptoms resemble those of the flu.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
KN
Source: Słoneczne Radio
