The Importance of Disease Monitoring Throughout the State and Country

by Jonathon Little, MBA

Director of External Affairs

The Collier Mosquito Control District works to protect public health and comfort by suppressing disease-carrying and nuisance mosquito populations using the safest and most cost-effective methods available. A critical part of that mission involves tracking mosquito-borne illnesses locally, across Florida, throughout the United States, and even worldwide. Monitoring disease activity at every level helps the District stay informed and prepared to respond hereat home.

In 2025, Collier County reported seven travel-related cases of dengue and five travel-related cases of chikungunya. Thankfully, there were no locally-acquired cases. While this is encouraging news for our community, dengue activity across Florida remains higher than average. In 2025, the state reported 416 travel-related cases and 62 locally acquired cases of dengue.

Most dengue cases in Florida occur in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, both of which border Collier County and serve as major hubs for international travel. This underscores the importance of monitoring mosquito-borne diseases beyond District boundaries so we can respond quickly if conditions change locally.

Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal, killing up to 750,000 people a year worldwide. In Collier County, we have species of mosquitoes that can spread diseases such as malaria. Even though malaria is rare in the United States, there was one travel-related case in Collier County last year, and two years ago there was a small outbreak just north of us in Sarasota County.

Disease monitoring is a crucial part of the District’s integrated pest management plan to ensure that we can respond quickly and effectively if any disease is found.

In addition to tracking reports from public health agencies statewide and worldwide, District staff test tens of thousands of mosquitoes each week in our laboratory. When testing identifies a disease-positive mosquito, the District immediately notifies the Florida Department of Health and implements targetedtreatments and increased surveillance in the surrounding area.

Residents can also help reduce mosquito populations year-round eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Items such as buckets, tires, and other containers can collect water and create breeding sites, even during cooler months. By regularly emptying these items, residents help protect their own health and comfort. The District also offers resources such as free mosquitofish to assist residents with mosquito control.

More information about these resources is available at www.cmcd.org.

Anyone interested in learning more about the District’s disease monitoring efforts or touring the laboratory and other facilities can request a tour by emailing info@cmcd.org.

The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and well-being of our residents through the safest and most economical means available.

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.

To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.

The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available. If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.