Requinn Nicollette believes a mosquito bite in her Lakeland backyard in 2024 left her fighting a severe case of dengue fever. She has come forward to detail her grueling four-month recovery from dengue fever, sharing her story to caution residents as mosquito-borne virus cases surge across Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region.
She experienced vomiting for about a month and says blood vessels in her legs began leaking internally, causing severe bruising. Constant headaches and a major rash added to the symptoms she was experiencing.
The severe bone and muscle pain eventually became one of the most persistent parts of her recovery. She was hospitalized for four days before eventually recovering.
Key Highlights from the Report
- Initial Misdiagnosis: The infection initially mimicked a standard flu, making early identification difficult until symptoms rapidly escalated.
- Hospitalization & Recovery: Severe joint pain and debilitating fatigue led to a four-day hospital stay followed by a full four months of lingering physical recovery.
- Broader Regional Surge: Local health departments have declared emergency declarations in affected areas across Tampa Bay and Central Florida, with over 150 locally acquired cases reported statewide. Neighboring counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) have expanded vector control measures and aerial mosquito spraying to mitigate spreading.
What to Know About Dengue Fever
Often called “breakbone fever” due to the intense bone, muscle, and joint pain it causes, dengue fever is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
| Aspect | Information |
| Common Symptoms | High fever, severe headaches, eye pain (behind the eyes), joint/muscle pain, fatigue, and rash. |
| Warning Signs | Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nose, and extreme lethargy require immediate emergency care. |
| Prevention | Drain standing water weekly, apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, Picaridin, or OLE), wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, and repair window screens. |