Health Alert

DOH-Orange Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert Update

October 12, 2026 2 min read

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DOH-Orange has confirmed two additional cases of locally-acquired dengue, bringing the total number of cases to five.
Illustration of a mosquito in an orange target
For media inquiries: Kent Donahue • Kent.Donahue@FLHealth.gov • 407-858-1418

Orange County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is advising residents of two additional confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue, bringing the total number of locally-acquired cases to five.

DOH-Orange, in collaboration with Orange County Mosquito Control, continues to conduct surveillance and implement targeted prevention strategies within affected communities. Response efforts have been further strengthened through enhanced mosquito control measures, including the planned deployment of aerial spraying to help reduce mosquito populations within those affected communities.

Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

DOH-Orange reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions.

  • Wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Apply insect repellents that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to exposed skin and clothing. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Control mosquitoes inside and outside. Repair damaged screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Drain water from discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. A single tire filled with water can create the opportunity for hundreds of mosquitoes to breed and multiply.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call DOH-Orange at 407-858-1420.