Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) is urging Florida residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses as cases rise statewide.
“PSA: Florida Health officials are warning residents as locally acquired dengue cases rise across Tampa Bay,” Congresswoman Luna wrote on X. “As of September 1, [2026], 33 locally acquired cases have been reported in the Tampa Bay area, including three in Pinellas County, with 41 cases reported statewide.”
Locally Acquired Cases Across Florida
The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) also reported 30 confirmed cases in Hillsborough County, seven in Miami-Dade County, and one in Palm Beach County.
Locally acquired cases refer to people contracting illness where they live rather than while traveling abroad.
Recommended Precautions Amid Rise In Cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications.
“Residents can help reduce transmission by removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and using mosquito repellent,” Rep. Luna advised.
FMCA advises using a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Mosquito-control groups are ramping up aerial and ground treatments in regions with current dengue virus activity.
Signs of Dengue Fever
Many people infected with the illness show no symptoms, and most who do show symptoms recover within a week or two, according to Mayo Clinic.
In some cases, the illness can progress to a severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever – a potentially life-threatening condition.
Warning signs of severe dengue fever most often commence the first day or two after the fever clears.
These signs include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in the urine, stools, or vomit, and bleeding under the skin, which might appear as bruising.
Less severe warning signs include hard or fast breathing, tiredness, or being cranky or restless.
