A mosquito-borne illness advisory for Palm Beach County was issued by the Florida Department of Health (DOH – Palm Beach) on Monday, August 3. The culprit is a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Health officials stated that the current case is the first locally acquired infection to be reported in the county in years. Information has not been released about the infected person.
Annually, Florida records numerous cases of travel-associated dengue fever after locals travel abroad. According to Medical Daily, “A locally acquired case means a mosquito in Palm Beach County bit an infected person, became infected itself, and then transmitted the virus to someone who had not traveled.”
The DOH – Palm Beach has confirmed that it is working with Palm Beach County Mosquito Control on “surveillance and prevention” efforts through enhancing vector surveillance, monitoring mosquito populations and carrying out targeted spraying and treatment in affected areas. The “locally acquired” designation means that the infection was acquired locally, not through travel to a region where dengue fever is more common.
Dengue Fever Spreads Through Bites from Female Mosquitoes
The disease is spread primarily through bites from female mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). The disease is not spread from person to person, nor is the disease contagious.
The Mosquito Transmission Cycle
- A person infected with the dengue virus is bitten by a mosquito.
- The mosquito becomes infected by the virus.
- The infected mosquito, then, bites other folks who become infected with the dengue virus.
- Mosquitoes, then, bite infected people and become infected with the dengue virus.
- The cycle continues and multiple individuals become infected with the virus from mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Those who contract dengue fever will suffer flu-like symptoms without respiratory symptoms. The symptoms suffered include high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting and sometimes skin rash.
These symptoms usually occur within 14 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Although uncomfortable, the illness is seldom fatal. No specific cure for dengue fever exists, although medical care can assist in moderating the symptoms.
Pregnant Women and Dengue Fever
A pregnant woman infected with the dengue virus can pass the virus on to her fetus both during her pregnancy and close to the time of birth. The dengue virus can cause “death of the fetus, low birth weight and premature death”.
Proactive Steps to Reduce the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
- Frequently check and remove standing water around homes in flower pots, gutters, bird baths, pool covers, discarded tires and the like.
- Regularly replace water in outdoor pet bowls.
- Apply EPA-approved mosquito repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants during times of peak mosquito activity.
- Install and/or repair screens on windows and doors.
- Close windows and doors and use air conditioning, when possible.
To date in Florida during 2026, four cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been reported in three counties – two in Hillsborough County, one in Miami-Dade County and one in Palm Beach County.
Anyone in Palm Beach County developing symptoms after a mosquito bite is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or DOH – Palm Beach at 561-671-4014. More information about mosquito-borne illness prevention is available at the Florida Department of Health website.
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