Florida health officials confirmed the state’s first death from dengue fever in 2026 on Sept. 4, marking the latest development in the state’s largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness in recent years. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) did not disclose the patient’s identity, age, or residence in its initial announcement.
An 80-year-old woman from Hillsborough County died on Sept. 4 after contracting dengue, according to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times. The FDOH did not immediately respond to requests for comment from ABC News regarding the case.
For the week ending Sept. 12, Florida reported 152 locally acquired dengue cases, the highest number recorded since 2023, when the state saw 189 cases over the entire year, per CDC data. Hillsborough County alone accounted for 134 of this year’s cases, with additional confirmed cases in Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
How dengue spreads and its risks
Dengue is transmitted through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which are also vectors for Zika and chikungunya viruses. The illness is caused by one of four dengue virus strains, and individuals can contract dengue multiple times. While about one in four infected people develop symptoms, these typically include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, and bone pain, lasting two to seven days.
In severe cases, dengue can progress to shock, internal bleeding, and death, though this occurs in fewer than one in 20 infected individuals, according to the CDC. There are no disease-specific treatments for dengue; the CDC recommends rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Patients with severe illness may require hospitalization.
National context and CDC assessment
Nationwide, the CDC reports 1,927 dengue cases in U.S. states and territories in 2026, with Puerto Rico recording 907 cases and American Samoa 437. Florida’s 332 reported cases are the highest among U.S. states, with more than 150 locally acquired infections—meaning residents were infected within Florida rather than during international travel.
The CDC states that the risk of widespread dengue transmission in the continental U.S. remains low, noting that most cases are travel-related. However, health officials are monitoring rising case numbers in multiple jurisdictions, including Florida’s ongoing outbreak.
Symptoms and warning signs
Dengue symptoms typically appear two to seven days after infection and may include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Severe dengue is characterized by persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, and signs of shock or internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.