Florida's dengue outbreak reportedly largest US has seen in decades
A dengue fever outbreak in the state of Florida appears to have grown to the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, totaling 252 reported cases this year in the Sunshine State according to an update this week. Dengue fever, which is transmitted through infected mosquito bites, is rarely fatal and most infected people do...
A dengue fever outbreak in Florida has grown to 252 reported cases this year, according to an update. This appears to be the largest outbreak in the continental US in decades. The majority of cases, over 250, were reported in Hillsborough County, home to Tampa.
The outbreak is caused by a virus spread through infected mosquito bites. Many infected people do not get sick, but some experience fever, flu-like symptoms, and severe aches. According to MedPage Today, severe cases can cause bleeding, shock, and death.
Florida's previous worst year for dengue cases was 2023, with just under 200 locally spread cases reported. Officials in Hillsborough and surrounding counties have declared local emergencies, and workers are spraying day and night to control the mosquito population.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hill, MedPage Today, Medical Xpress — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
