Lee County Reports Rise in Mosquito-Borne Illness Cases From International Travelers

Lee County Mosquito Control tracked a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses this year. Travelers returned to Southwest Florida carrying dengue fever and chikungunya after trips abroad. The county logged 16 dengue cases and 11 Chikungunya cases in 2025.

Statewide, Florida documented 409 dengue fever cases and 206 chikungunya cases so far this year, per the Florida Department of Health. Cuba was the source of most infections.

"Florida is definitely kind of a place where we see these imported cases, an awful lot of them this year, actually," said Jenifer McBride from Lee County Mosquito Control, according to Fox 4 News.

Both illnesses trigger high fevers and body aches that mimic the flu. McBride contracted one during her own trip and suffered badly.

"I went to a beautiful country and came back, and within two days, I was sitting on the couch, and within five minutes, I had 104 fever. Went from feeling fine to 104, and I was actually sick the entire summer," McBride said.

The health department urges travelers to check the CDC website before visiting tropical or subtropical regions. McBride tells people to research what diseases are present in the countries they plan to visit.

"I would advise people that are traveling to tropical or subtropical warm areas to make sure that they're going on to the CDC website and checking to see what's out in the country they're visiting," McBride said.

As a prevention, use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves. Anyone who gets sick after traveling should seek medical attention right away.