Global Dengue Alert Doesn't Include Florida

In late December 2025, two disease alerts regarding dengue fever outbreaks offered conflicting advice for travelers.

According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Arbovirus Surveillance report for Week 51, as of December 20, 2025, there have been 62 locally acquired dengue cases recorded statewide. The counties most affected include Brevard with 35 instances, Miami-Dade with 25 cases, and both Hillsborough and Pasco with 1 case each.

Regarding the virus subtypes, the FDOH reported that DENV-3 accounted for 44% of the cases, while DENV-4 accounted for 21% in 2025.

Additionally, Florida has reported 415 Travel-Associated Dengue cases in 2025 who had traveled to a dengue-endemic area in the two weeks before onset.

However, today, the U.S. CDC reissued a global Level 1 Travel Health Notice identifying 12 countries experiencing dengue outbreaks late in 2025.

As of December 23, 2025, the CDC included Cuba, which is a neighbor of Florida. However, it did not address the health risk posed by this mosquito-borne virus in the southeastern counties of Florida.

Furthermore, neither the CDC nor the FDOH recommends the use of a dengue vaccine for prevention.

Currently, a first-generation dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is being tested in children in Puerto Rico, and the second-generation QDenga vaccine is offered in about 30 countries. 

While the newly authorized third-generation, single-dose Butantan-DV vaccine is scheduled for release in Brazil in 2026, international travelers are optimistic that its availability will expand next year, including in Florida.