Woman Says Dengue ‘Felt like My Bones Were Breaking’ amid Deadly Outbreak in Florida, tell me about this news today
05-10-2026
This report stems from recent local accounts in Florida highlighting the severity of locally acquired and travel-related dengue infections as cases across parts of the state have surged.
The phrase comes directly from a Florida patientspecifically Lakeland resident Requinn Nicollettewho spoke out about her grueling battle with the mosquito-borne illness.This news centers on the public health alerts surrounding locally acquired dengue fever cases in Florida, highlighted by personal accounts of patients describing the disease’s hallmark symptoms.
Key Aspects of the News“Breakbone Fever”: The phrase referenced by the patient”felt like my bones were breaking”describes why dengue has historically been nicknamed breakbone fever. The illness is notorious for causing intense, debilitating joint, bone, and muscle pain, alongside high fever, severe retro-orbital (behind the eyes) headaches, fatigue, and rash.
Local Transmission: While the vast majority of dengue cases in the United States occur in travelers returning from endemic tropical and subtropical regions, Florida periodically records locally acquired infections (spread by local Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes). Counties in South and Central Floridasuch as Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Browardroutinely issue mosquito-borne illness alerts when local spread is detected.
Public Health Advisory: In response to confirmed local transmission clusters, Florida health officials emphasize:
“Drain and Cover”: Emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, and birdbaths to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.
Personal Protection: Using EPA-registered insect repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus), wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring window/door screens are intact.
Medical Awareness: Urging individuals with abrupt high fever and severe body aches to seek medical evaluation promptly, as severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure and internal bleeding if untreated.