South Florida

What can make us feel sick in Miami? See the possibilities

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles below discuss health risks in Miami. They explore environmental issues that affect health, like extreme weather and insect-borne diseases. High temperatures, hurricanes and mosquitoes can pose significant threats. Hurricanes may lead to PTSD in survivors. Experts explain symptoms and treatment options for PTSD.

In Miami, rising temperatures increase mosquito populations. This raises concerns about diseases they spread, like chikungunya. And heat waves in Florida can cause heat-related illnesses. The risk increases in the elderly and children.

See the stories below for problems and solutions.

Juan Jose Muñoz (left) and Elvin Antonio Urbina walk with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida’s Gulf Coast.

NO. 1: FLORIDIAN HURRICANE SURVIVORS COULD BE SUFFERING FROM PTSD—BUT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE

After a tumultuous hurricane season, an expert says Floridians should look out for symptoms of PTSD. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby

No image found
The Florida Department of Health issued a state-wide mosquito-borne illness alert after six people contracted malaria in Sarasota. By James Gathany

NO. 2: MOSQUITO SEASON BEGINS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. IS CLIMATE CHANGE MAKING IT WORSE?

As Miami-Dade marks the unofficial beginning of mosquito season with a Wednesday event to help residents “Fight the Bite”, the Herald spoke to the head of the Mosquito Control Division, Dr. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby

No image found
People make their way along the shoreline near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk as temperatures soar into the 90s on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Hollywood, Fla. By Matias J. Ocner

NO. 3: FEELING DIZZY? WATCH FOR THESE WARNING SIGNS DURING SOUTH FLORIDA’S HEAT WAVE

Some are at higher risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. | Published May 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.