Southwest Florida’s warm, humid climate and dense population create ideal conditions for a wide range of infections. Understanding the most common infectious diseases in Southwest Florida is the first step toward protecting yourself, your family, and your community.
At Florida Infectious Disease Care in Fort Myers, our board-certified specialists diagnose and treat a full spectrum of infectious conditions — from everyday bacterial infections to complex, tropical, and emerging diseases. Whether you are a longtime Florida resident or new to the area, this guide covers what you most need to know. Our general infectious disease team is here to help you navigate any concern.
1. Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Southwest Florida’s mosquito population is one of the densest in the United States, and with mosquitoes come disease. The most significant mosquito-borne threats in our region include:
- West Nile Virus — transmitted by Culex mosquitoes; most cases are mild, but severe neurological complications can occur in vulnerable patients
- Dengue Fever — cases have increased in Florida in recent years, particularly in South Florida, and can present with high fever, severe joint pain, and rash
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) — rare but potentially fatal; Florida sees cases each year during peak mosquito season
- Zika Virus — though transmission has decreased, it remains a concern, particularly for pregnant women
The Florida Department of Health actively monitors mosquito-borne disease activity across the state. If you develop unexplained fever, rash, or severe joint pain after mosquito exposure, seek medical evaluation promptly.
2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Florida consistently ranks among the top states in the U.S. for STI rates. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are all on the rise in Lee County and surrounding areas. However, many STIs produce no symptoms — meaning people can unknowingly transmit them to partners. According to the CDC STI surveillance data, young adults and men who have sex with men face disproportionately high rates.
Florida Infectious Disease Care offers comprehensive STI testing, treatment, and prevention — including PrEP and Doxy-PrEP for those at highest risk. Regular testing is the cornerstone of sexual health in a high-prevalence state like Florida.
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other drug-resistant skin infections are a growing concern in both community and healthcare settings across Southwest Florida. These infections often begin as what looks like a spider bite — a red, swollen, painful bump that can rapidly progress to a serious abscess or cellulitis.
People who share gym equipment, towels, or who have close contact with healthcare facilities face elevated risk. If you develop a skin infection that does not respond to standard antibiotics, see an infectious disease specialist immediately.
4. Respiratory Infections
Beyond seasonal influenza and COVID-19, Southwest Florida residents face risk from less familiar respiratory pathogens. Legionella (Legionnaires’ disease), spread through contaminated water systems in hotels, hospitals, and large buildings, causes a severe form of pneumonia that requires specific antibiotic treatment not used in standard community-acquired pneumonia protocols.
Additionally, fungal respiratory infections such as histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis can occur in Florida — especially in patients who are immunocompromised or who work with soil in certain areas.
5. Tick-Borne Diseases
While Florida is not as high-risk for Lyme disease as the northeastern U.S., tick-borne diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis are present in our state. These conditions can be serious if not treated promptly with the appropriate antibiotics. If you spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas and develop a fever with a rash after a potential tick bite, seek evaluation immediately.
6. Travel-Related Infections
Fort Myers and Southwest Florida serve as a travel hub for international visitors and residents who travel frequently. Infections acquired abroad — including malaria, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A — can present weeks after returning home, making them easy to misdiagnose without a careful travel history.
Our infectious disease team has extensive experience in travel medicine. If you or a family member develops symptoms after returning from international travel, our general infectious disease services are here to provide expert evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I have a serious infection or just a cold?
Most viral respiratory infections resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. However, you should seek medical attention if you have a fever lasting more than 3 days, severe headache with stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving after the first week.
Q: What is the most common infectious disease in Southwest Florida?
Respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and STIs are among the most frequently treated infectious conditions in our region. Mosquito-borne diseases spike during summer months. STIs remain elevated year-round and across all demographics.
Q: When should I see an infectious disease specialist instead of my regular doctor?
See a specialist if your infection is not responding to initial treatment, if you have a recurring infection, if you are immunocompromised, or if your infection is unusual or complex. Infectious disease specialists are trained specifically for these situations.
Q: Does Florida Infectious Disease Care offer STI testing?
Yes. We offer comprehensive STI screening and testing, as well as prevention services including PrEP, PEP, and Doxy-PrEP for eligible patients. Testing is confidential and judgment-free.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Taking charge of your health starts with a single conversation. At Florida Infectious Disease Care, our board-certified specialists in Fort Myers, FL are here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and complete confidentiality. Call us today at 239-245-8223 or visit us at 14192 Metropolis Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
Schedule your appointment online at floridaidcare.com/make-an-appointment or find us on Google Maps. You deserve expert care — and we are ready when you are.