The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning last week that cases of dengue fever, a virus that can be deadly, are continuing to rise across the globe, including countries and regions that are typically popular vacation destinations for Americans over spring break and the summer months.
In a Health Alert Network advisory last week, the CDC warned, “Dengue activity remains high in some parts of the United States and globally, with many countries reporting higher-than-usual number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025.”
“Dengue virus transmission remains high in the Americas region, including in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” the CDC added. “Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States.”
CDC officials have designated dengue fever as a level 1 health alert and have encouraged people to “practice usual precautions” to avoid the virus.
“Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens,” the CDC said.
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Countries identified by the CDC as reporting “higher than usual” case numbers or “higher-than-expected” dengue cases among returning U.S. travelers include Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia, and Sudan.
According to the CDC, dengue is the “most common” type of mosquito-borne disease across the globe. The CDC noted that dengue outbreaks have been declared in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, while local transmission of the disease was also reported last year in Texas, Florida, and California.
Fox News reported that dengue fever symptoms can include aches and pains that affect a person’s muscles, bones, joints, and eyes; a rash; nausea; or vomiting. The outlet noted that people typically experience symptoms within two weeks of being bitten by infected mosquitos and that symptoms typically last between two and seven days.
Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, told Fox News, “It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death.”