Second Locally Acquired Case of Dengue Fever Detected in Orange County

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a Mosquito-borne Illness Alert for Orange County

Orange County, FL – Orange County Mosquito Control today announced that it is increasing mosquito mitigation and surveillance operations after the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (FDOH) issued a Mosquito Alert for Dengue Fever. FDOH has confirmed two additional cases of locally acquired Dengue Fever in the Apopka area.

FDOH issued a Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory on September 2, 2026, after a locally acquired case of Dengue Fever was detected in the Pine Hills area. The second case reaches the threshold for a Mosquito Alert to be issued.

"We are conducting targeted control measures and enhanced surveillance in Pine Hills, Apopka, and throughout Orange County," said Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control. "While CDC guidance calls for targeted treatment of areas of concern, we are taking additional measures. Given the increased Dengue Fever cases we are seeing in other parts of Florida, we want to be proactive to reduce the risk of further local transmission in Orange County."

Dengue Fever, commonly known as Breakbone Fever, is a mosquito-borne illness that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Common symptoms are a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle, bone or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands, and skin rash. Dengue Fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is not known to travel very far.

Orange County Mosquito Control recently added new technology to its laboratory, allowing the agency to detect mosquito-borne illnesses, like Dengue Fever, more rapidly. The new molecular testing uses PCR technology to look for genetic material of specific viruses within mosquito samples.

"Previously, we had to send samples outside of the laboratory," added Harrison. "Now, we can potentially have results in the same day, which will lead to faster responses and mitigation efforts."

Members of the media are invited to Orange County Mosquito Control on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. to speak to Steve Harrison about the efforts to prevent Dengue Fever from spreading further in Orange County and to view the mosquito-borne illness testing technology.

Laboratory Program Manager Jose Colon-Muniz will be available for Spanish-speaking members of the media. Envíe un email a Zach Downes en Zachary.downes@ocfl.net to coordinate a visit to the Orange County Mosquito Control office.