TAMPA, Fla. — Florida health officials are investigating the death of a Hillsborough County resident after the person was reportedly infected with dengue, a mosquito-borne virus that has been spreading locally in parts of the Tampa Bay area.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed that it is investigating a death that may be associated with a dengue virus infection. However, the agency said it cannot release additional information about the specific case because patient information is protected under Florida law.
The person has reportedly been identified as an 80-year-old Tampa woman, although officials have not publicly released further details about her condition or medical history.
“The Department is actively investigating the recently reported death of a Hillsborough County resident, possibly associated with a Dengue virus infection,” the Florida Department of Health said in a statement. “The Department is unable to provide additional details and information about specific cases.”
The investigation comes as local health authorities continue responding to an increase in locally acquired dengue infections across the Tampa Bay region.
Tampa Bay Remains Center of Florida Dengue Outbreak
According to the latest figures referenced by health officials, Florida had nearly 70 locally acquired dengue cases as of last week.
Hillsborough County accounted for almost 60 of those reported cases, making it the center of the state’s current outbreak. Additional cases included five in Pinellas County, two in Pasco County and one in Citrus County.
Unlike dengue infections acquired while traveling outside the United States, locally acquired cases indicate that people are becoming infected through mosquito transmission within the affected area.
The investigation into the Tampa woman’s death does not establish that dengue caused her death. Health officials have not released enough information to determine whether the virus was the primary cause or whether other medical factors were involved.
How Dengue Can Become Severe
Dengue is generally not fatal, but some infections can progress into a much more serious illness.
USF Health virologist and associate professor of medicine Dr. Michael Teng explained that there are four different types of dengue virus. A previous infection with one type can potentially create complications if a person later becomes infected with another type.
“There’s four different types of dengue and what has happened in the past when you get severe dengue infection is that you’ve been infected with one type of dengue virus,” Teng said. “And then you get infected with a different type of dengue virus, and your immune system doesn’t protect you from that second type of the virus, but it makes things worse.”
Teng said this can contribute to severe dengue, which can include dengue hemorrhagic fever. However, he stressed that he was not speculating about what happened in the Hillsborough County case.
It remains unknown whether a previous dengue infection played any role in the woman’s death.
Dengue Symptoms Can Take Time to Appear
Dengue symptoms can resemble those of the flu, and symptoms may take up to two weeks to appear after infection.
One of the more recognizable symptoms can be intense muscle and joint pain, sometimes described as “bone-breaking” pain.
Because dengue can become severe in some patients, health officials are urging anyone experiencing concerning symptoms to contact a healthcare provider or local county health department for guidance.
“If an individual is experiencing symptoms, they should contact their health care provider or local county health department to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention,” the Florida Department of Health said.
Mosquito Spraying Intensifies Across Tampa
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is continuing efforts to reduce mosquito populations capable of spreading dengue.
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Crews are scheduled to spray for adult mosquitoes and larvae Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday in parts of South Tampa, Hyde Park, Ybor City and Town ‘N Country.
Residents are also being urged to take precautions around their homes.
Health officials recommend using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, and avoiding areas where mosquitoes are especially active. Residents should also remove standing water from yards, containers and other areas because stagnant water can provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.
As the investigation continues, officials have not confirmed whether dengue was responsible for the Hillsborough County death. The case nevertheless highlights the growing concern surrounding locally acquired dengue in the Tampa Bay region.
Have you noticed increased mosquito activity in your area? Share your experience in the comments and let us know how you are protecting your family from mosquito-borne illnesses.