Florida has reported its first confirmed death from dengue fever in 2026, according to the Florida Department of Health. The victim, Gay Small of Hillsborough County, died on September 4, her 80th birthday, from complications related to the disease, including septic shock and multi-organ failure. Small had contracted the infection after being bitten by a mosquito near her home on Bayshore Boulevard.
Small's daughter, Anna, said her mother had been in good health and had taken steps to stay healthy, but was still bitten by the mosquito. Anna believes her mother may have contracted dengue while traveling abroad years ago, but didn't know it. People who have had dengue before are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death after completing its investigation, but did not release additional information. The University of South Florida's public health instructor, Kristi Miley, noted that a dengue death had not been recorded in the Tampa Bay area in nearly a century.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the virus is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, but locally acquired cases have been recorded in Florida, California, and Texas.
Florida's mosquito control agencies have stepped up surveillance, inspections, and spraying in response to the recent outbreak of locally acquired dengue fever cases. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are under mosquito-borne illness alerts issued by the Florida Department of Health, and residents are being advised to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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