![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2024-health-officials-pakistan-reporting-138768931.jpg\")
A patient receives medical treatment for dengue in Pakistan. There is no cure for dengue, only management of symptoms like IV fluids for hydration and acetaminophen for fever and pain. BILAWAL ARBAB\/EPA-EFE\/Shutterstock<\/p>\nDozens of people in Florida have been diagnosed with a mosquito-borne illness more commonly found in tropical countries.<\/p>\n
The frightening thing is: They caught it here.<\/p>\n
Dengue, nicknamed \u201cbreakbone fever\u201d because it causes agonizing pain in the joints and bones \u2014 making it feel like bones are breaking, especially in the legs and back \u2014 the virus has become more common in the US in recent years.<\/p>\n
A patient receives medical treatment for dengue in Pakistan. There is no cure for dengue, only management of symptoms like IV fluids for hydration and acetaminophen for fever and pain. BILAWAL ARBAB\/EPA-EFE\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n
Dengue is a viral infection that\u2019s caused by bites from infected mosquitos. While most people who are infected never experience any symptoms, some get fevers, headaches, nausea, rashes, and of course, the excruciating body aches that gave the virus its horrifying nickname.<\/p>\n
The majority of cases in the US come from recent travel to at-risk regions around the world, including the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. But the number of those infected while on US soil is growing.<\/p>\n
Across the 50 states, 893 dengue cases have been reported this year. Of those 893, 40 cases were acquired here in the US\u00a0\u2014\u00a0with 39 in Florida. One case was locally acquired in Virginia.<\/p>\n
The locally acquired cases<\/a> were on Florida\u2019s west coast in Citrus County, Pinellas County (home to St. Petersburg) and Hillsborough County (home to Tampa).<\/p>\n Why is dengue spreading in the US?<\/p>\n The disease is spread by Aedes mosquitos, which also spread diseases like Zika and yellow fever.<\/p>\n These mosquitos are found in much of the southeastern and southwestern US \u2014 and are spreading due to rising temperatures. Researchers say that 75% of the country<\/a> is suitable for these particular bloodsuckers.<\/p>\n That\u2019s in part why there was a huge spike in dengue in 2024, when US cases jumped 359%<\/a> from the annual average over two decades.<\/p>\n In Florida, California and Texas<\/a>, infections were documented in several counties, suggesting the virus was introduced multiple times rather than as part of a single outbreak. There was also a\u00a02024 outbreak in New Jersey<\/a>, sickening dozens of people.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough these introductions did not lead to larger outbreaks in the continental United States, they indicate an increasing risk for locally acquired cases, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance, vector control, and public health preparedness and response efforts in areas with competent mosquito vectors,\u201d the CDC said.<\/p>\n What to know about dengue<\/p>\n One out of every 20 people with dengue develops life-threatening symptoms. It can become serious in a matter of hours and include bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and organ failure.<\/p>\n Without medical treatment, severe dengue can be fatal in up to 50% of cases<\/a>.<\/p>\n There is no treatment for the fever. Rest, drinking fluids to stay hydrated and acetaminophen can help with muscle pain and fever. If it gets serious enough for hospitalization, medical professionals will administer IV fluids to avoid dehydration.<\/p>\n The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to avoid getting bitten entirely \u2014 use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting long sleeves and get rid of mosquitos around your home. That means managing standing water<\/a> and holes that water can fill.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/striped-mosquitoes-eating-blood-human-138768689.jpg\")
The Aedes mosquitos are responsible for spreading dengue and other diseases, including Zika and yellow fever. witsawat \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n