If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you may have heard that dengue is making headlines in 2026. It is a real and active situation, and staying informed is the smartest thing you can do for yourself and your family.
This article explains what dengue is, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and what steps you can take right now to reduce your risk. Our goal is to give you clear, accurate information so you feel prepared, not panicked.
What is happening in Florida right now?
Florida is currently experiencing the largest local dengue outbreak in the continental United States in decades. As of 2026, the state has recorded more than 250 locally acquired dengue cases, with the majority concentrated in Hillsborough County. Sadly, one death has been confirmed. This surpasses the previous state record of approximately 200 local cases recorded in 2023.
Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties declared a local state of emergency on September 24, 2026 that has been extended through October 8, 2026. The state of emergency declaration allows the counties to expedite emergency mosquito control purchases and intensify both aerial and ground treatments.
This outbreak is significant, but it is also being actively monitored and managed by public health authorities. Knowing the facts helps you take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is dengue?
Dengue is a viral illness spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not a new disease — dengue has been around for centuries and is common in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa. What makes the current Florida situation unusual is that these cases were acquired locally, meaning people were bitten by infected mosquitoes right here in the state, rather than during international travel.
The mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue are primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. These mosquitoes are already present in Florida and tend to be most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Unlike some other mosquito species, they do not need large bodies of water to breed — even a small amount of standing water in a bottle cap or a plant saucer is enough.
Is dengue contagious between people?
No. Dengue does not spread from person to person through casual contact, coughing, sneezing, or touching. The only way to get dengue is through the bite of a mosquito that is already carrying the virus. You cannot catch it from a family member or neighbor who has dengue, if you avoid being bitten by the same infected mosquitoes in the area.
This distinction matters because it means that if someone in your household is diagnosed with dengue, there is no need to isolate them from the rest of the family in the way you might with a respiratory illness. The focus instead should be on eliminating mosquito exposure for everyone in the home.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Symptoms of dengue typically begin 4 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. In many cases, especially in children, symptoms can be mild or easy to mistake for another common illness. In other cases, they can be more significant and require medical attention.
Common signs and symptoms
The most frequently reported symptoms of dengue include:
- Sudden fever
- Headache or pain behind the eyes
- Muscle, joint, or body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash
- Swollen glands
The combination of high fever with joint and muscle pain is one of the more distinctive features of dengue. In some parts of the world, dengue has been nicknamed "breakbone fever" because of how intense the body aches can feel — though dengue itself is the correct name for the disease because of how intense the body aches can feel.
Immediate Precaution: If you suspect you have dengue, rest and drink plenty of fluids, consult your provider. You can take Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain. NEVER take Aspirin or Ibuprofen, as they can dangerously increase the risk of bleeding.
How long does dengue last?
Most people who develop dengue recover fully within about a week. Rest, fluids, and appropriate over-the-counter medication for fever and pain are usually enough to manage symptoms during recovery.
Your Sanitas care team can guide you on what is safe to take, since certain common pain relievers are not recommended during a dengue infection.
When symptoms become serious
A small number of dengue cases can progress to a more severe form of the illness. Warning signs that require immediate medical attention include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Extreme fatigue or restlessness
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
If you or a family member develops any of these symptoms, do not wait. Seek emergency medical care right away.
How dengue spreads and who is most at risk
Dengue spreads only through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates and breed in standing water, making Florida's conditions particularly favorable for them.
Anyone can be bitten, but those who spend more time outdoors, live near standing water, or skip insect repellent consistently face a higher risk. People with underlying health conditions, young children, and older adults are also more likely to develop severe illness and should seek medical evaluation promptly if symptoms appear.
It is also worth knowing that dengue has four distinct virus strains. A previous infection protects you against that one strain, but you can still get dengue again from a different strain — and repeat infections tend to be more severe.
How to protect yourself and your family
The good news is that there are clear, practical steps you can take to lower your risk of mosquito bites and dengue infection.
- Use insect repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellent every time you go outside, following the label directions. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective options. Reapply as directed, especially if you are sweating or spending extended time outdoors.
- Cover up when you can: Wearing long sleeves and pants provides a physical barrier against mosquito bites, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours in the early morning and late afternoon. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is most comfortable in Florida's heat while still offering protection. Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if sleeping during the day.
- Secure your home: Make sure window and door screens are intact and free of holes or tears. Mosquitoes can enter through very small gaps, so check screens regularly and repair any damage promptly.
- Eliminate standing water: This is one of the most impactful things you can do. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and it does not take much. Check your yard regularly and empty or remove anything that collects water, such as flowerpot saucers, bird baths, buckets, old tires, clogged gutters, and even bottle caps. Change the water in pet bowls and birdbaths at least once a week.
- Stay informed: Monitor updates from the Florida Department of Health and your local county health department. If your neighborhood is identified as an area of active transmission, take extra precautions and follow any guidance from local authorities, including scheduled mosquito control spraying.
If a truck or helicopter is actively spraying your immediate street or block, it is best to go inside for 30 minutes after they pass. And wash homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating them.
What to do if you develop symptoms
If you develop a fever or any of the symptoms described above, especially if you have spent time outdoors in Hillsborough County or surrounding areas recently, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Do not wait to see if things improve on their own.
Your Sanitas care team will evaluate your symptoms, ask about potential mosquito exposure, and determine whether a blood test is needed to confirm a dengue diagnosis. There is no specific antiviral medication for dengue, but supportive care matters. Your provider may recommend rest, increased fluids, and safe medications to manage fever and discomfort. Note that aspirin and ibuprofen are generally not recommended during dengue as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
If your symptoms become severe or worsen rapidly, seek immediate medical care.
A final word: stay calm, stay protected
Dengue is a real concern in Florida right now, and it deserves to be taken seriously. At the same time, it is a manageable illness for most people, and the steps to reduce your risk are straightforward. By using repellent, eliminating standing water around your home, and knowing the symptoms to watch for, you are already doing the most important things.
Public health officials are working hard to monitor and contain this outbreak. Your role is to stay informed and take sensible precautions and to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health.
Connect with Sanitas Medical Center today
If you have questions about dengue, are experiencing symptoms, or simply want peace of mind, the team at Sanitas Medical Center is here for you. You do not have to wait for an in-person appointment to get the guidance you need.
Use the mySanitas app 24/7 to access an on-demand visit, call, or chat with a provider from the comfort of your home. Whether you need a quick question answered or a full evaluation, we make it easy to connect with care when you need it most.
You can also schedule an in-person appointment at your nearest Sanitas Medical Center. Your health and your family's health are our priority, and we are here to support you through every season — including this one.
