Dengue-related death in Hillsborough County, Florida, USA, as autochthonous cases statewide reach 152CDC
Florida health authorities confirmed the first domestic dengue-related death of 2026 in Hillsborough County, amidst 152 autochthonous dengue cases statewide driven predominantly by serotype DENV-2 (134 cases in Hillsborough). Concurrently, Duval County confirmed locally acquired human West Nile Virus cases, sentinel chicken seroconversions, and one regional border fatality. Ground and aerial mosquito abatement have been expanded. Clinical laboratories manipulating acute febrile blood or CSF panels must enforce BSL-2 containment, bloodborne pathogen exposure controls, and complete sharps elimination to prevent accidental percutaneous inoculation.
Zika Cases in the United StatesCDC
CDC ArboNET and Florida health bulletins confirmed ongoing domestic Zika surveillance, recording 5 travel-associated cases nationally with zero local vector transmission in 2026. Public health advisories emphasize aggressive differential testing in febrile patients. Diagnostic laboratories are alerted to extensive serological IgM cross-reactivity between Zika and Dengue viruses, which complicates antibody confirmation. Clinicians must order molecular RT-PCR on serum and urine to assess fetal microcephaly risks. Diagnostic specimen processing must be performed within certified Class II Biosafety Cabinets under BSL-2 containment.
keywords:
ArboNET,
BSC,
BSL-2,
dengue cross-reactivity,
flavivirus,
Florida DOH,
microcephaly,
RT-PCR,
surveillance,
zika virus,
ZIKV
Risk of Severe Arboviral Disease in Patients Receiving B Cell-Depleting or Modulating MedicationsCDC / Health Alert Network (HAN)
11 August 2026
State health notices documented fatal tick-borne infections across the Northeast. Rhode Island confirmed a fatal neuroinvasive Powassan virus case, marking the state’s third case in 2026. Simultaneously, Stony Brook Medicine confirmed the emergence of Bourbon virus on Long Island, transmitted by expanding Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum). Bourbon virus causes acute leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and organ failure with no commercial diagnostic assays. Laboratories performing tick identification or clinical blood analysis must operate under BSL-2 containment inside Class II Biosafety Cabinets, with tick dissection restricted to secondary containment.
Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet (Website, Training)CDC/TRAIN Learning Network
This basic-level eLearning course module provides information on the safe use of Class II biological safety cabinets. Topics covered include major parts of a BSC, how a BSC works, how to work safely inside a BSC, and what to do if there is an emergency while working in a BSC. Videos, interactive exercises, job aids, and a modifiable checklist template are included in the course to enhance the learning experience.
Types of Class II Biosafety Cabinets (PDF, Poster/Handouts/Factsheets/Guide)The Baker Company
15 January 2017
Class II biological safety cabinets are primary engineering controls typically used for microbiological studies, cell culture, pharmaceutical procedures and toxicology. BSC classifications and standards for the United States are set by NSF International. NSF defines four types of Class II cabinets (A1, A2, B1 and B2) that are distinguished by differences in airflow patterns and velocities, HEPA air filter positions, ventilation rates and exhaust methods. The classification system has changed throughout the years, and the following overview refers to the 2011 NSF/ANSI 49 2011 manual.
Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) Placement Requirements for new Buildings and Renovations (PDF, Regulation/Guidance)NIH
15 May 2019
Developed by the NIH, this pdf outlines the all the do’s, don’ts and other requirements and recommendations for placing and working in a BSC.
