Dengue fever surge in Florida shows the virus’ growing threat in the U.S.

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IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.Skip to ContentDengue fever is primarily spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.Nelson Almeida / AFP via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleSept. 29, 2026, 5:30 AM EDTBy Aria BendixThree counties along Florida’s Gulf Coast have declared states of emergency as locally acquired cases of dengue fever surge to unprecedented levels. It was only a matter of time before the Tampa Bay area had a dengue outbreak of this magnitude, experts say.