Florida Confirms Sixteenth Chikungunya Cases in 2026

Health officials in Florida are monitoring a significant increase in chikungunya fever cases, predominantly linked to travel from Cuba, where the mosquito-transmitted virus was associated with more than 50,000 cases in 2025.

According to week #5 data from the Florida Department of Health (DOH), the state recorded a high number of travel-associated cases this year.

As of early February 2026, health officials have reported 16 cases with onset in 2026 among individuals with a recent travel history from Cuba. The most affected counties include Miami-Dade (10 cases) and Palm Beach (2 cases).

In 2025, Florida reported 370 travel-associated chikungunya cases. Of these, 357 were linked to travel to Cuba.

Furthermore, the DOH reported a rare but notable case of locally acquired chikungunya fever in Miami-Dade County, with symptom onset in December 2025.

This marks the first instance of local transmission in Florida since 2014, when 12 cases were reported.

Local transmission in Florida indicates the virus was passed from an infected traveler to a resident through mosquitoes within the state, raising concerns about the potential establishment of the virus in areas with competent mosquito vectors in 2026.

As of February 12, 2026, the U.S.CDC maintains a Level 2 Travel Health Notice ("Practice Enhanced Precautions") for chikungunya in Cuba, advising travelers to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and take other measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Additionally, the CDC advises travelers visiting chikungunya-endemic areas to speak with a vaccine expert about the 2026 immunization option.