Florida Visitors Continue Bringing Chikungunya, Dengue, and Malaria Diseases

The Florida Department of Health published Arbovirus Surveillance Update #15, which discloses various mosquito-borne diseases reported this year.

As of April 13, 2024, countries in southern Florida confirmed these mosquito-transmitted diseases:

• Chikungunya - Three cases of chikungunya that began in 2024 have been reported in individuals with a travel history to Brazil, and four cases were confirmed in 2023.
• Dengue Fever - In 2024, 106 travel-associated dengue cases have been reported, mainly by visitors from Cuba. In 2023, 609 travel-associated dengue cases were reported, primarily in people arriving from Brazil and Cuba. Five cases of locally acquired dengue were reported from Miami-Dade (4) and Pasco counties in 2024. 
• Malaria - In 2024, nineteen cases of malaria with onset in 2024 have been reported in individuals with a travel history to malaria-endemic areas in Africa. In 2023, 78 malaria cases were reported.

To learn where these diseases are spreading, the U.S. CDC issued Travel Health Notices to inform travelers about global health risks.

While the U.S. FDA recently approved an innovative chikungunya vaccine, its availability in Florida is pending. Access to the approved dengue vaccine has specific requirements.

Furthermore, two approved malaria vaccines are unavailable in the U.S.

Visit a local travel clinic, such as Passport Health USA Tampa, to learn more about these and other travel vaccine options.