The Tampa Bay Times reported the death of an elderly woman on September 8, 2026, with local doctors suggesting dengue fever as the cause. However, the Florida Department of Health has not yet confirmed the diagnosis. This death may be linked to a growing dengue outbreak in Hillsborough County, where 95 cases have been recorded since July 2026. In August, the Hillsborough County Health Department issued a warning about mosquito-borne illnesses due to multiple locally acquired cases. Dengue, sometimes called “breakbone fever,” is known for causing intense physical discomfort. Symptoms typically include sudden high fever, severe headaches, eye pain, and aching muscles, joints, and bones. Many people also experience nausea, vomiting, or a rash a few days after infection. Unlike the common cold, dengue is not passed directly from person to person. Instead, it spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, which are commonly found in Florida. These mosquitoes are active during the day and can breed in as little as a bottle cap of standing water. The spread of dengue follows a simple cycle: an infected mosquito bites a person, becomes infected, and then transmits the virus to another person days later. Most people who catch dengue do not show symptoms, with about 75% of infections being asymptomatic. For those who do feel ill, symptoms usually appear four to 10 days after being bitten. There are four different strains of the dengue virus, and immunity to one strain does not protect against the others. In fact, a second infection with a different strain can increase the risk of severe illness. Most people recover from dengue within a week with rest, fluids, and pain relief. However, about 5% of cases progress to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. This severe form often occurs when the fever begins to subside, which can lead to a false sense of recovery. Severe dengue causes leaking blood vessels, low blood pressure, and can lead to internal bleeding or organ failure. Warning signs include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, and blood in vomit or stool. While there is a dengue vaccine, it is not widely recommended for most Americans. It is primarily used in specific situations, such as for children in high-transmission areas who have already had dengue. Prevention remains focused on avoiding mosquito bites. There is no specific antiviral drug to cure dengue, so treatment involves supporting the body while it fights the infection. Patients are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use acetaminophen for fever and pain. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding. Dengue is increasing globally, with the World Health Organization reporting over 14 million cases in 2024, a significant rise from 2000. Factors like warmer temperatures, urban expansion, and increased travel are contributing to the spread of dengue into new areas. While most U.S. cases are acquired abroad, local outbreaks are becoming more common, especially in states like Florida. Preventing local transmission is crucial to controlling the spread of the disease.