Breakbone Fever Reaches Florida: Local Dengue Transmission Returns After 15 Years

Florida is seeing local transmission of dengue fever for the first time in about 15 years, with 10 locally acquired cases this year (eight in Hillsborough County and two in Pinellas County). Dengue is mosquito-borne and not native to Florida; most cases come from travelers who bring the virus, after which local mosquitoes can spread it. Symptoms can include fever, rash and body aches; treatment is supportive. The CDC recommends protecting against bites with long sleeves/pants and insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol to prevent infection.