Rising Concerns Over Dengue Fever as Mosquito Season Approaches

As the warm weather settles in following recent rain showers, Florida is bracing for another active mosquito season, raising alarms about the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue fever. Last year, the state recorded an alarming number of travel-related dengue cases, and experts predict similar or even higher numbers this year.

Steve Harrison, the manager of Orange County Mosquito Control, expressed concern over the expected rise in mosquito activity. “It would be surprising if we aren’t at the same level that we were last year,” he noted, indicating that the pattern of mosquito populations tends to show a gradual decline rather than a sharp drop from year to year.

Dengue fever, often referred to as “bone break fever,” presents a range of symptoms including high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, and eye pain. In more severe cases, it can lead to abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and bleeding from the gums or nose, as detailed by the Mayo Clinic.

In 2023, Florida reported 911 travel-related cases of dengue, alongside 85 local cases. The Florida Department of Health has already recorded 49 travel-related cases as of week 12 of 2025, with seven cases in Central Florida alone. While this year’s numbers are lower than last year’s, they still exceed the six-year average of 35 cases and are significantly above the ten-year average of just nine cases.

The dynamics of dengue transmission are particularly concerning. Travelers from Florida visiting dengue-endemic regions such as Cuba can return home carrying the virus. If bitten by a local mosquito, that mosquito can then transmit the virus to Florida residents, creating a risk of the virus becoming endemic in the state. The combination of increased travel and favorable weather conditions for mosquito breeding—hot temperatures and ample rainfall—further heightens this risk.

Harrison emphasized the importance of community involvement in mitigating the spread of dengue. He urged residents to actively eliminate standing water around their properties, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Routinely go out to your yard. Make sure you’re flushing out your bird baths, your potted plants, anything that can hold water. Toss out those containers,” he advised.

The World Health Organization has noted a global increase in dengue cases over the past two decades, attributing some of this rise to climate change, which leads to warmer temperatures and increased rainfall—ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation. The Florida Department of Health has identified several Caribbean destinations where travelers have contracted dengue, with Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico being the most frequently reported.

As Florida gears up for the mosquito season, the call to action is clear: residents must take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities from the potential threat of dengue fever. By staying vigilant and reducing mosquito breeding sites, individuals can help curb the spread of this disease and safeguard public health. For those experiencing significant mosquito activity, contacting local mosquito control services can provide additional assistance in managing the situation.