Influence and Impact of Mosquito-borne Diseases on the History of Florida, USA

Abstract

Mosquito-borne disease has had a significant impact on the history of Florida. Malaria, yellow fever, and dengue are the three most important diseases of humans in the history of the state. Malaria was a leading cause of death among Floridians until the mid 20th Century. Yellow fever was a danger until the last outbreak in 1905. Dengue continues to be a problem in Florida. Other mosquito-borne viruses continue to impact the state in modern times. Still others are potential threats although not present yet. Politics, economics, public perception, and the mass media all influence the control of mosquitoes.

Dengue in Florida (USA)

“…There was an outbreak in Hawaii in 2001, which represented the first appearance of the virus there since 1944. There were 25 cases in Brownsville, Texas, in 2005, 90 cases in Key West between 2009 and 2010, and 23 cases in Martin County, Florida in 2013 [ 8 , 9 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Early reports of dengue in the State include those from the Dry Tortugas in 1903, and Miami in 1904 and 1908 [ 9 ]. More widespread outbreaks that affected close to 12,000 people occurred in 1905 and included Key West, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and probably other locations.…”

“…At the time, it was estimated that more than 10% of the population of Dade County and that as many as 15,000 people in the city of Miami (pop. 135,000) were infected with the virus [ 9 , 23 ]. Locally transmitted dengue was also reported from Texas in 1986 and 1995.…”

“…Below we briefly review the occurrence of dengue in Florida, with emphasis on the more recent outbreaks in Monroe and Martin counties. Hribar [ 9 ] presents more details and insights on early dengue outbreaks in the State.…”

Research Contributing to Improvements in Controlling Florida’s Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases

“…Florida’s habitats and the resulting large mosquito populations were the reasons for organizing Florida’s first mosquito control district nearly 100 years ago. There are now mosquito control organizations in many parts of the state to fight what are considered nuisance or pest mosquitoes, and to also combat Florida’s species of mosquitoes that transmit mosquito-borne pathogens [12,13]. The mission of Florida’s mosquito control organizations is to protect residents and visitors from mosquitoes using effective, efficient, and environmentally proper mosquito control [14].…”