Florida issues dengue alerts as locally acquired cases rise; how to guard against mosquitoes

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County issued Aug. 3 alerts for dengue after a locally acquired case; three locally acquired dengue cases were reported between July 26 and Aug. 1, with four confirmed in 2026 across Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Officials emphasize preventing mosquito-borne illness by eliminating standing water, using repellent (especially at dusk and dawn), securing entrances with screens, wearing long sleeves and pants, cleaning rain gutters, replacing outdoor water, and requesting mosquito inspections.