Four different strains of the dengue virus, which is spread by mosquitoes in subtropical and tropical climates, have now been detected in Florida, according to Kristi Miley, PhD, research associate at the USF College of Public Health.
Dr. Miley鈥檚 findings show that the risk of dengue fever, including severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, is increasing in the state. She presented her research at the last month in Kingston, Jamaica.
Dr. Miley鈥檚 research surveyed data from Florida dengue cases from 2010 to 2024, comprising over 3,800 travel-related and over 500 locally acquired infections. She found that all four dengue serotypes are now being detected in Florida.
鈥淥ur modeling links warming temperatures and increased travel with the expansion of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes into central and northern Florida,鈥� Dr. Miley said. 鈥淭his trend is accelerating, and we need proactive, technology-informed public health responses.鈥�
Her team is developing predictive models incorporating climate variables such as El Ni帽o cycles and hurricane activity alongside mosquito surveillance data. They are also piloting a mobile app that allows users to photograph mosquitoes for AI-assisted species identification, empowering community participation in real-time vector monitoring.
Dr. Miley鈥檚 research addresses scientific complexity and operational challenges in Florida鈥檚 mosquito control systems, such as cryptic breeding habitats, post-storm debris and inconsistent practices across the state鈥檚 67 counties.
The GVN Regional Meeting convened virologists, public health leaders and researchers across the Americas to confront the region鈥檚 most pressing infectious disease challenges, from vector-borne disease expansion to vaccine innovation and pandemic resilience. These issues are especially urgent given the close geographic, ecological and travel connections between Florida, the Gulf states and the Caribbean and Latin America, underscoring the need for coordinated regional responses to shared public health threats.
Strengthening Surveillance and Reframing Vaccines
Also at the meeting, Sten Vermund, MD, PhD, dean of the USF College of Public Health and chief medical officer of the GVN, delivered opening remarks and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen viral surveillance systems across Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in resource-limited settings vulnerable to emerging and climate-amplified diseases.
Dr. Vermund underscored the GVN鈥檚 efforts through the meeting to map viral response capacity across the region and use it as a strategic tool for pandemic preparedness, and he highlighted the importance of cross-border partnerships that promote equitable research leadership and knowledge-sharing. 鈥淥ur aim is not only to share science but to forge actionable collaborations,鈥� he noted.
Dr. Vermund also presented vaccinology breakthroughs while identifying current blind spots. While vaccines have nearly eradicated diseases like polio and smallpox, others like herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) and some emerging arboviruses do not yet have successful vaccines. He also said officials should reframe vaccine conversations to suggest that vaccines are not merely tools for preventing infection but also essential instruments for mitigating disease severity, reducing transmission and protecting public health.
鈥淭he only vaccine that immunizes is the one that鈥檚 administered correctly and equitably. Scientific innovation holds no real power unless it reaches every community as discovery must be matched by delivery and access,鈥� he said.
The Microbiome鈥揤irology鈥揙ncology Nexus
Among the featured speakers was Christian Br茅chot, MD, PhD, director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and vice chair of the GVN Board of Directors. Dr. Br茅chot delivered a presentation urging the integration of microbiome science into the global virus response framework.
鈥淭he human phenotype is not just the product of our genome,鈥� Dr. Br茅chot said. 鈥淚t is shaped by the complex interplay between our genome and the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, particularly in the gut, where the microbiome influences everything from immune response to disease progression and recovery.鈥�
Dr. Br茅chot highlighted increasing evidence that microbiome composition can alter susceptibility to infection, severity of illness, vaccine efficacy and even responses to antiviral and cancer therapies. He cited findings from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, influenza and COVID-19 research that underscore how disruptions in the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can drive chronic inflammation and metabolic complications despite standard treatments.
鈥淚n cancer immunotherapy, we鈥檝e seen that fecal microbiota transplantation from responsive patients can improve outcomes in non-responders,鈥� Dr. Br茅chot explained. 鈥淭his opens new paths for microbiome-based interventions in oncology and virology, though challenges remain in standardizing delivery, predicting efficacy and ensuring safety.鈥�
Dr Br茅chot highlighted emerging studies linking gut microbial signatures with hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes and aging-associated cancer risk. He called for stronger bioinformatics capabilities to move microbiome research from taxonomy-focused surveys to functional, mechanism-driven science. 鈥淲e need prospective, longitudinal studies and a deeper understanding of microbial function to unlock the microbiome鈥檚 potential,鈥� he said.
At USF Health, Dr. Br茅chot leads efforts to embed microbiome research into global One Health strategies by integrating human, animal and environmental health. He also advocated expanding oral microbiome studies, especially in lower-resource regions, due to the ease and consistency of sample collection.
鈥淢icrobiome science must be part of our virology agenda,鈥� Dr. Br茅chot concluded. 鈥淔rom nutrition and agriculture to cancer, viral infections and chronic diseases, the microbiome is a bridge across disciplines and a foundation for preventive public health.鈥�
Latin America鈥檚 Rise in Vaccine Research
Arlene Calvo, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the USF College of Public Health, discussed Latin America鈥檚 emerging leadership in vaccine research. Dr. Calvo showcased Panama鈥檚 development as a global model for inclusive vaccine trials, strong public engagement, and regulatory excellence.
鈥淧anama consistently demonstrates high trial enrollment, including among children, pregnant women, and other traditionally underrepresented populations,鈥� Dr. Calvo said. 鈥淭his results from decades of investment in bioethics, clinical research infrastructure and a culture of scientific altruism.鈥�
Dr. Calvo鈥檚 portfolio includes a 10-year Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded maternal and child health cohort study and recent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 vaccine trials. She also noted that a new Regional Vaccine Research Center is under development in Panama, further solidifying the country鈥檚 role in regional pharmaceutical and biotech innovation.
鈥淐linical research is not just about discovery, it鈥檚 about access,鈥� Dr. Calvo said. 鈥淏y involving communities directly, we ensure that lifesaving interventions reach the people who need them most.鈥�