Florida confirms a death from dengue as the state struggles with one of its worst recent outbreaks

Florida is grappling with one of its most severe recent outbreaks of dengue fever, resulting in a fatality. The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death of an elderly woman from Tampa on September 4, marking the state's first locally acquired dengue-related death in decades. Over 130 cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported this year in Hillsborough County, typically seeing only a few cases annually.

This outbreak is attributed to recent weather conditions that allowed the virus-spreading mosquitoes to multiply. Dengue, caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes, can lead to severe symptoms and even death. The current outbreak is centered near Tampa, where workers have been actively spraying to eliminate mosquitoes and inspect properties for potential breeding grounds.

While some mosquitoes have been tested and found not carrying the virus, experts believe the threat of dengue is likely to persist due to the abundance of mosquitoes in Florida.