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The U.S. state of Florida has confirmed its first dengue-related death of the year, as locally acquired cases of the mosquito-borne disease climbed to 152, marking the highest annual total the state has recorded since 2023.
The Tampa Bay Times, which first reported the death, identified the patient as an 80-year-old Tampa woman who died Sept. 4. The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death but declined to release personal details, citing privacy protections, ABC News reported Monday.
"The Department has completed its epidemiological investigation and acknowledges the first dengue fever-related death in Hillsborough County. To protect the privacy of the individual, additional details and information regarding the case are confidential," a department spokesperson stated.
Florida had recorded 152 locally acquired dengue cases this year as of the week ending Sept. 12, according to state health department data. That is the highest annual total since 2023, when the state recorded 189 locally acquired cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, accounted for 134 cases. Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco and Pinellas counties also reported cases.
Dengue spreads through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, which can also transmit the Zika and chikungunya viruses.
About one in four people infected with dengue develop symptoms, including fever, rash, and muscle pain, according to the CDC. Around one in 20 people who become ill develop severe dengue, which can cause internal bleeding, shock, and death.
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue. The CDC recommends rest, fluids, and acetaminophen for fever and pain, while advising patients to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because of the risk of bleeding. Severe dengue requires immediate medical care.
There are currently no active dengue vaccines available in the United States, as the sole approved shot was discontinued by its manufacturer due to low global demand, and its remaining stock expires in 2026.
The CDC recommends using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, using air conditioning or window screens, and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
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