Mosquitoes top Florida health risk

A health official says the world's deadliest animal is the mosquito, and Florida faces 80 mosquito types that can spread disease.

Mosquitoes top Florida health risk and protection tips

The Centers for Disease Control identifies the mosquito as the deadliest animal in the world because it spreads diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya. Florida has more than 80 mosquito types and the Florida Department of Health tracks illnesses that are locally acquired or travel related.

This year Florida reports illnesses across several counties and notes how everyday life in a warm climate intersects with public health. Individual actions matter, but strong local vector control and sustained budgets are needed to reduce biting pressure in both urban and rural areas. Climate patterns and population density in Florida create a favorable environment for mosquitoes, underscoring the need for consistent, practical prevention.

Highlights

Prevention is a daily habit, not a seasonal task.