The risk for an infection from a mosquito bite is higher than usual in Florida now, with cases of five different mosquito-borne diseases identified in the state. Experts say the hot, humid, rainy weather and an uptick in summer travel have put health officials on the offensive as they try to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases being reported among Florida residents. Already this year, at least seven people in Florida have been bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus.
In addition, the newest mosquito-borne disease to reach Florida is Oropouche , a virus that has proved deadly in South America. It arrived in Florida via travelers to Cuba. So far, 30 travel-associated Oropouche fever cases have been reported in Florida, including 10 in the last week.
Other mosquito-borne diseases reported in Florida in 2024 are dengue, Chikungunya fever, and malaria. Symptoms range from fever and chills to brain inflammation. “We have been treating mosquitoes aggressively, working 24/7 over the last few weeks,” said Anh Ton, the director of Broward County’s mosquito control.
Workers regularly check traps set throughout the county for adult mosquitoes and examine water sources for signs of larvae to eliminate mosquitoes before they mature. Broward is now using a drone to spray for mosquitoes in hard-to-reach places. Ton urges anyone outside at dawn or dusk to wear insect repellant with DEET, remove any objects outside the home with standing water, and report high mosquito le.