Florida remains one of America’s most popular vacation destinations, but health officials are urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions as the state faces an unusually large dengue outbreak. More than 250 locally acquired cases have been reported, with Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, accounting for many of them. Officials say the number represents the highest annual total recorded by any U.S. state since the 1940s, making the situation highly unusual. Dengue is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. Most people recover within a week or two, but serious infections can lead to dangerous complications, including shock. Mosquito-control crews in the Tampa area have increased spraying efforts, while surrounding communities have also taken action as officials work to limit further transmission.
Health experts say visitors can reduce their risk by preventing mosquito bites throughout their stay. Recommended precautions include wearing clothing that covers much of the body, using repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and keeping window screens closed and intact. Travelers should also pay attention to standing water around homes, hotels, vacation rentals, and outdoor spaces because mosquitoes can breed in surprisingly small amounts of stagnant water. Hillsborough County environmental scientist Paolo Pecora urged residents to empty containers such as buckets, pet bowls, and anything else that can collect rainwater. The concern comes as dengue infections remain widespread internationally, with the World Health Organization reporting millions of cases globally. While Florida’s warm, humid climate can provide favorable conditions for mosquitoes, health officials emphasize that simple precautions can make a meaningful difference. For anyone visiting the state, staying alert, protecting against bites, and following local health guidance could help keep an unexpected mosquito encounter from turning a vacation into a serious health concern.
