Florida Woman, 80, Dies of Dengue Fever as Cases Surge in the State for First Time in 15 Years

A Florida woman, Gay Small, tragically passed away on her 80th birthday due to dengue fever, marking the state’s first death from the disease in nearly a century. Small’s death occurred on September 4 at Tampa General Hospital, as confirmed by her death certificate, which indicated that her illness was transmitted via a mosquito bite, leading to complications of dengue infection, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.

According to reports from the Tampa Bay Times, Small’s daughter, Anna Small, stated that her mother’s death indicates the state’s acknowledgement of dengue as the cause. This somber event has drawn attention to the rise of locally transmitted dengue cases within Florida, particularly in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties this year. Experts are monitoring the situation closely, given the significance of the event in public health history.

Kristi Miley, an academic at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health, highlighted that this death is a rare occurrence, reflecting the severity of dengue fever in a region not commonly associated with the illness. The Florida Department of Health has corroborated the details of Small’s case, confirming the dengue-related death to media outlets including the Associated Press and USA Today.

In response to these alarming developments, Claire Maher, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health, urged both residents and visitors to take proactive steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. She emphasised the importance of applying insect repellent, steering clear of areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, eliminating standing water, and wearing appropriate clothing to reduce exposure—particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity peaks.

Dengue fever, which is typically transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, is characterised by flu-like symptoms, including high fever. While many cases are mild, more severe forms—such as dengue hemorrhagic fever—can lead to critical complications like severe bleeding and decreased blood pressure, potentially resulting in death.

Locally transmitted dengue cases in the U.S. are unusual, with most individuals contracting the disease while travelling abroad. However, Florida experienced a significant outbreak of dengue fever approximately 15 years ago, and this year’s uptick in infections has raised concerns among health officials. Reports indicate that, in 2026 alone, eight cases were documented in Hillsborough County and two in Pinellas County, representing the first local spread of the disease in over a decade for Pinellas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that most dengue infections in the U.S. are directly linked to international travel, posing an additional challenge for public health officials in combating the disease within domestic settings.

In the lead-up to the Labour Day Weekend, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo provided guidance to residents regarding preventive measures against dengue fever, urging the application of insect repellent, protective clothing, and the removal of stagnant water sources. Such advice aims to mitigate the risks associated with the disease as local health authorities continue to address the rising threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The death of Gay Small serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers presented by mosquito-borne diseases, highlighting the necessity of public awareness and community vigilance in the face of such health challenges. As investigations continue into the recent surge of dengue cases, Florida’s response will be closely monitored by both health professionals and concerned citizens alike.