# Florida Woman, 80, Dies of Dengue Fever as Cases Surge Statewide
- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-woman-80-dies-of-dengue-fever-as-cases-surge-statewide
- Sección: Society
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-09-19T07:12:34.511Z
> Gay Small of Tampa passed away on her 80th birthday from dengue fever. This marks Florida’s first recorded death from the virus in 15 years as local health departments report a significant surge in infections across multiple counties.

## Las claves

- An 80-year-old woman died from dengue fever, marking the state's first fatality in 15 years
- The incident occurred in Tampa on her birthday while cases rise statewide
- Health officials are monitoring mosquito-borne illness trends as summer approaches

A significant public health concern has emerged in Florida after Gay Small, an 80-year-old woman from Tampa, passed away on her birthday. Her death is attributed to dengue fever, marking the first recorded fatality from the virus in the state in over 15 years. This tragic event has prompted local and state officials to intensify their focus on mosquito control measures as cases of the disease continue to rise across various counties.

### Rising Cases Across Florida

While this is the first death reported in a decade and a half, health authorities note that dengue fever cases are surging statewide. The virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, typically sees higher transmission rates during warmer months when mosquito populations expand. Local health departments have been tracking these increases closely, noting that while most infections result in mild symptoms or recovery, severe complications can occur, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Health officials emphasize that dengue fever is not contagious between people but relies entirely on vector transmission via mosquitoes. The surge in cases highlights the importance of environmental management and personal protection measures. Residents are being advised to eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes breed, use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity times.

### Community Response and Prevention

In response to the rising numbers of reported infections, county health departments are increasing their outreach efforts. These initiatives include public education campaigns about recognizing early symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Early detection is crucial for preventing progression to severe dengue, which can lead to life-threatening complications including plasma leakage, fluid accumulation, respiratory difficulty, organ impairment, and serious internal hemorrhage, more context in [Tampa Investigates Possible Dengue Death as Mosquito Spraying Increases](/noticia/tampa-investigates-possible-dengue-death-as-mosquito-spraying-increases).

As Florida continues to experience warmer weather patterns conducive to mosquito breeding, the reminder of Gay Small’s death serves as a critical warning. Local authorities are urging residents in Tampa and surrounding areas to remain vigilant. The community is encouraged to report any unusual mosquito activity or potential breeding sites to local health departments to help curb the spread of vector-borne diseases during this peak season.
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Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-woman-80-dies-of-dengue-fever-as-cases-surge-statewide