Florida health officials have confirmed the state’s first dengue-related death of 2026 as locally acquired infections continue to rise.
The woman was identified by her family as Gay Small, a Tampa resident who died on September 4, her 80th birthday. Her death certificate listed dengue infection, septic shock and multiple-organ failure. The Florida Department of Health confirmed the dengue-related death on September 18 but did not publicly identify her.
The outbreak has been especially severe in Hillsborough County. Florida reported 152 locally acquired dengue cases through September 12, including 134 in Hillsborough County. “Locally acquired” means the infection was contracted in Florida rather than during travel abroad.
Dengue spreads through infected mosquitoes. Health officials are urging residents to use insect repellent, empty containers holding standing water and take precautions against mosquito bites.
