South Shore, Cape Cod and South Coast

Traveling to Florida This Winter? What New Englanders Need to Know About the Recent Dengue Outbreak

The Situation in Florida

According to a recent report by CNN, Florida is currently experiencing one of its worst surges of dengue fever in decades. The Florida Department of Health recently confirmed the state’s first dengue-related death of 2026. While we work hard to keep your properties mosquito-free up north during the warmer months, we want to ensure you stay safe and fully informed when you travel.

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Historically, most dengue cases in the continental U.S. were found in travelers returning from tropical countries. However, warm weather conditions and climate shifts have allowed these container-breeding mosquitoes to expand their reach. As of mid-September, Florida has recorded over 150 locally acquired cases of dengue. This means people are catching the virus directly from mosquitoes within the state, representing a 145% spike compared to last year’s total local cases.
  • The Primary Hotspot: Hillsborough County (the Tampa Bay area) is driving the vast majority of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 90% of the state’s local transmissions.
  • Other Affected Areas: Local cases have also been flagged in South and Central Florida, including Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Pasco, Orange, and Palm Beach counties.

Spotting the Symptoms of “Breakbone Fever”

Dengue fever is often nicknamed “breakbone fever” due to the severe muscle and joint aches it causes. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and generally last for about a week.
Because dengue is still rare in New England, doctors back home can easily mistake it for the flu or COVID-19. If you travel to Florida and experience a sudden high fever accompanied by any of these indicators, seek medical attention and be sure to mention your travel history:
  • Intense headache or pain behind the eyes
  • Severe muscle, bone, or joint pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A blotchy skin rash

How to Protect Yourself on Vacation

You don’t need to cancel your winter travel plans, but you should practice extra vigilance while away. Local mosquito control agencies are aggressively treating infected areas, but personal protection remains your best line of defense.
Use the Florida Mosquito Control Association’s “Three Ds” protocol:
  • Defend: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors.
  • Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, light colors, and closed-toed shoes. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors, and extra fabric makes it harder for them to bite.
  • Dump/Drain: If you are staying at a winter rental or a seasonal property, check around the yard. Dump out any standing water in flowerpots, buckets, toys, or birdbaths. Aedes mosquitoes only need a tiny droplet of stagnant water to lay eggs.
Be especially cautious during sunrise and sunset, which are peak biting times for many local mosquito species. Ensure that the screens on the windows and doors of your vacation rental or hotel room are intact to keep pests outside.
Pack your favorite repellent right alongside your sunscreen, and enjoy your winter escape safely. If you have any questions about mosquito behaviors or seasonal protection, feel free to reach out to us at our local offices!
Rockaway Beach from above image Mosquito Shield of Long Island

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