Florida-US Battles Largest Dengue Spread in Continental US Since 1940s
What Happened
Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in decades, with more than 250 locally acquired cases reported so far in 2026, most of them in Hillsborough County, home to Tampa. Available health data suggests this is the highest annual dengue case count recorded by any continental US state since at least the 1940s. Local authorities have declared emergencies in affected areas and intensified mosquito-control measures.
Key Takeaways
The outbreak highlights the growing risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the US, with health experts warning that warmer temperatures and expanding mosquito habitats may be contributing to the spread of dengue.