Florida is a favourite winter destination for Canadians, and this year it comes with a mosquito warning. According to the Associated Press, Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental United States in decades, with more than 250 locally acquired cases reported so far in 2026.
What Is Happening in Florida
As of early October 2026, Florida health officials have reported 252 locally acquired dengue cases this year, and one death. Most of the cases are in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, and several other counties have also reported local spread. Hillsborough County has extended its local state of emergency while mosquito-control crews continue treatments.
“Locally acquired” means these people were infected in Florida itself, not on a trip abroad. Until recently, most dengue seen in the continental United States was brought home by travellers. Historical outbreak data is limited, which is why the comparison to past years is worded carefully.
Why It Matters if You Are Travelling to Florida
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes, not from person to person. The mosquitoes that carry it are active during the day, with biting peaks in the morning and late afternoon, so bedtime-only precautions are not enough. If you are heading to Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, it is worth treating mosquito protection the way you would on a trip to a tropical destination.
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Use an insect repellent approved for use in Canada, and reapply as directed on the label
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when you can, especially in the morning and late afternoon
- Choose accommodations with window screens or air conditioning
- Empty standing water around where you are staying, since mosquitoes breed in small containers
- If you develop a fever during your trip or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you travelled
For a deeper look at protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illness, see our guide to protecting your health at home and abroad and our look at how mosquitoes and climate change are changing travel health risks.
Plan Your Trip With Us
Every trip is different, and the right precautions depend on where you are going, when, and your own health. At Destinations Travel Clinic, our physicians and nurses trained in travel medicine can review your itinerary and give you personalized advice before you leave. Book a travel consultation to travel with confidence.
Source: Associated Press report on Florida’s dengue outbreak, October 2, 2026, as republished by Medical Xpress; case counts from WINK News.
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