The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County issued an alert for mosquito-borne illness on Aug. 3 in response to a recently confirmed case of “locally-acquired” dengue.
According to the FDOH’s weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report, three cases of locally-acquired dengue were reported between July 26 and Aug. 1.
“In 2026, four cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported from three counties,” the report reads — two in Hillsborough County, one in Miami-Dade County and one in Palm Beach County.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a similar alert for mosquito-borne illness on Aug. 3.
Dengue can present as “a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain,” along with fever and “sometimes” a rash, according to DOH-Miami-Dade. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 14 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue is not contagious, and is transmitted via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
How to Best Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
In June, Miami-Dade County encouraged residents to “take proactive steps” to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, including “frequently checking for and eliminating any standing water.” That’s the best protection against “container-breeding mosquitoes,” said a press release by the county, which are the “likeliest species to transmit the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever,” illnesses that are among those most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes.
Standing water usually accumulates after rainfall or irrigation in items like potted planters, saucers, outdoor toys, coolers and boat/car tarps, according to the release.
“As little as one teaspoon or bottle cap of water standing for more than one week is enough for mosquitoes to breed and multiply,” according to a flyer provided by the FDOH.
As for individual protection, mosquito repellent can help prevent bites while outdoors, especially between “dusk and dawn,” when mosquitoes are most active.
Additional Steps to Reduce Mosquito Exposure
The county also suggests:
- Covering entrances to one’s home, including windows and doors, with mesh screens.
- Wearing clothes with long sleeves and pant legs to “maximize skin protection.”
- Regularly cleaning rain gutters to avoid water pooling within them.
- Filling up indentations in one’s lawn, air conditioner drain areas and tree holes.
- Regularly replacing water in outdoor pet dishes and birdbaths.
- Requesting a mosquito inspection via the county’s online portal.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team.
