Dozens of people in Florida have been diagnosed with a mosquito borne-illness more commonly found in tropical countries.
The frightening thing is: They caught it here.
Nicknamed “breakbone fever” because it causes agonizing pain in the joints and bones — making it feel like bones are breaking, especially in the legs and back — the virus has become more common in the US in recent years.
Dengue is a viral infection that’s caused by bites from infected mosquitos. While most people who are infected never experience any symptoms, some get fevers, headaches, nausea, rashes, and of course, the excruciating body aches that gave it its horrifying nickname.
The majority of cases in the US come from recent travel to at-risk regions around the world, including the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. But the number of those infected while on US soil is growing.
Across the 50 states, 893 dengue cases have been reported this year. Of those 893, 40 cases were acquired here in the US — with 39 in Florida. One case was locally acquired in Virginia.
The locally acquired cases were on Florida’s west coast in Citrus county, Pinellas county (home to St. Petersburg) and Hillsborough county (home to Tampa).
Why is dengue spreading in the US?
The disease is spread by Aedes mosquitos, which also spread diseases like Zika and yellow fever.
These mosquitos are found in much of the southeastern and southwestern US — and are spreading due to rising temperatures. Researchers say that 75% of the country is suitable for these particular bloodsuckers.
That’s in part why there was a huge spike in dengue in 2024, when US cases jumped 359% from the annual average over two decades.
In Florida, California and Texas, infections were documented in several counties, suggesting the virus was introduced multiple times rather than as part of a single outbreak. There was also a 2024 outbreak in New Jersey, sickening dozens of people.
“Although these introductions did not lead to larger outbreaks in the continental United States, they indicate an increasing risk for locally acquired cases, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance, vector control, and public health preparedness and response efforts in areas with competent mosquito vectors,” the CDC said.
What to know about dengue
One out of every 20 people with dengue develop life-threatening symptoms. It can become serious in a matter of hours and include bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and organ failure.
Without medical treatment, severe dengue can be fatal in up to 50% of cases.
There is no treatment for the fever. Rest, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, and acetaminophen can help with muscle pain and fever. If it gets serious enough for hospitalization, medical professionals will administer IV fluids to avoid dehydration.
The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to avoid getting bitten entirely — use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting long sleeves and get rid of mosquitos around your home. That means managing standing water and holes that water can fill.
If you’re traveling, avoid mosquitos the same way and sleep under nets. Pack acetaminophen to manage fever and body pain in case you catch it. Even when you return, avoid getting bitten — a mosquito that bites you while infected can spread dengue to others.
There is a dengue vaccine, but is only suitable for people who have had it before and are living in an area where dengue is common — not for travelers. That’s because the shot can make the disease worse if you catch it for the first time after being vaccinated.
