Florida Reports Increase in Dengue Cases, Primarily in Hillsborough County
Florida health officials are reporting an increase in dengue cases, with 23 locally acquired cases identified in recent weeks, primarily in Hillsborough County.
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, August 20, 2026 —
Health officials in Florida have reported a notable increase in dengue fever cases in recent weeks, with a total of 23 locally acquired infections identified. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Hillsborough County.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe disease. While the specific mosquito species responsible for transmitting these cases in Florida has not been detailed, public health departments typically advise residents to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent infection.
The increase in cases prompts a reminder for residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed. These measures are standard public health recommendations during periods of increased mosquito-borne illness activity.
Further details regarding the specific timeline of these recent case identifications and any public health advisories issued by the Florida Department of Health for Hillsborough County were not immediately available. Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Story summarized from the original created by Tiffany Razzano on patch.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
