Active Public Health Outbreaks in Florida: Comprehensive Surveillance Report
As of November 30, 2025, Florida's public health landscape presents a stabilized yet vigilant environment following the historic surges of 2024. While the explosive outbreaks of Oropouche virus and locally acquired Dengue seen in the previous year have largely subsided, persistent environmental threats and respiratory viral circulation remain active concerns. This report synthesizes the latest surveillance data from the Florida Department of Health (DoH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and independent monitoring bodies.
Vector-Borne Diseases: Dengue & Oropouche
Following a record-breaking 2024, arboviral activity has moderated in 2025. The massive Oropouche ("Sloth Fever") outbreak that originated from travel to Cuba in 2024 has not re-established significant local transmission in 2025. However, Dengue remains a persistent threat in South Florida.
| Disease | 2024 Total Cases | 2025 (YTD) Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue (Local) | 79+ Cases | 4 Cases (as of July) |
| Dengue (Travel) | 881+ Cases | 118+ Cases |
| Oropouche | 96+ Cases | 0 Reported |
*Data reflects significant decline from the 2024 peak. Primary risk zones remain Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Environmental Hazards: Vibrio vulnificus
The "flesh-eating" bacteria Vibrio vulnificus saw a deadly spike in late 2024 driven by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In contrast, 2025 has seen a return to baseline levels, though fatalities persist in coastal regions.
Respiratory Viral Surveillance
COVID-19 Status
By November 2025, COVID-19 has dropped out of the top 15 leading causes of death in Florida, a significant shift from its #3 rank in 2020. While the state surpassed 100,000 cumulative deaths this year, the current mortality rate has stabilized below influenza and pneumonia.
Influenza & RSV
The 2024-2025 flu season is currently active. Surveillance indicates increasing pediatric emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI). RSV activity remains seasonal with standard circulation patterns.
Surveillance Data Discrepancies
Contextual Note: Historical analysis (2021–2024) reveals persistent discrepancies between Florida Department of Health (DoH) and CDC data reporting methods. Florida DoH typically reports by "date of death" or "date of case onset," whereas CDC datasets often aggregate by "date of report," leading to temporary divergences during surge periods. While 2025 reporting has been less controversial, independent observers recommend cross-referencing state summaries with federal excess death models for the most accurate mortality assessments.