Florida Records First Dengue Fever Death of 2026
Florida experienced its first confirmed dengue fever death of 2026, as reported by the Florida Department of Health. Gay Small from Hillsborough County passed away on September 4, which coincided with her 80th birthday. Her death resulted from complications related to a dengue infection, including septic shock and multi-organ failure. Small was bitten by a mosquito near her home on Bayshore Boulevard, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
“Cheated. Just, you know, it’s so unfair because she was in good health, and she worked hard to stay healthy, and she walked, and she ate right and, you know, all the things that you’re supposed to do,” said Small’s daughter, Anna Small, to Tampa’s WFLA Channel 8.
Anna Small also mentioned that the virus came unexpectedly when her mother encountered the wrong mosquito. It is believed that Gay Small may have previously contracted dengue during international travel, though she was unaware. Those with prior dengue infections are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
While hospitalized, Gay Small exhibited weakness, redness in her hands, and noticeable tremors in her voice, necessitating ICU care midweek, as reported by WFLA. Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause symptoms like fever, severe aches, nausea, and rash.
Notably, Gay Small’s late husband, Bob Small, dedicated his career to studying dengue vaccines. This tragic irony highlights the ongoing challenge of this disease.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed Gay Small’s death after completing its investigation. University of South Florida public health instructor Kristi Miley noted that such a death had not occurred in the Tampa Bay area for nearly a century, The Times reported.
Dengue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, like Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. Although less common in the mainland U.S., local cases have emerged in Florida, California, and Texas.
Dengue Fever in Florida
Florida’s mosquito control agencies have increased efforts in surveillance, inspections, and spraying due to a rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases. These cases occur when individuals contract the virus locally rather than abroad, with the surge beginning in July. Hillsborough County, Gay Small’s residence, is at the center of this epidemic. Both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have mosquito-borne illness alerts in effect.
“Dengue does not stop at county lines,” said Alissa Berro, Pinellas County Mosquito Control Director, on Fox 13.
As individuals infected with dengue move around the Tampa Bay area, local mosquitoes may bite them and subsequently spread the virus. Increased spraying with insecticide and larvicide, both aerially and on the ground, shows promise, The Times noted. Of the last 1,500 mosquitoes tested, none have carried dengue.
The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) advises residents to eliminate standing water, as dengue-spreading mosquitoes breed in containers like buckets, tires, and plant saucers.
Preventing Dengue
- Dress in long sleeves, light colors, and closed-toed shoes.
- Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Regularly dump standing water from containers around the home.
The Mayo Clinic notes that many dengue cases are asymptomatic, and most symptomatic cases resolve within one to two weeks. Severe dengue, however, can develop rapidly and become life-threatening. Warning signs like severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, unusual bleeding, or intense fatigue require immediate medical attention.
Teresa Mull, a freelance writer, contributed this report to Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.