The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 1 travel notice about dengue in more than 15 countries, urging usual precautions as outbreaks rise in certain regions. The agency notes dengue is a year-round risk in many places and some countries are reporting increasing case counts. This article walks through what dengue is, where it’s spreading, how to protect yourself, and what to do if symptoms appear.
The CDC labeled the alert “Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions,” and officials emphasize vigilance rather than panic. “Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every two to five years,” the agency stated. “Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease.”
Dengue is a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes and typically causes fever, rash, severe aches and pains, nausea and vomiting. Many cases are mild and resolve with supportive care, but the illness can be unpredictable and occasionally turns serious. The fever is most common in tropical and subtropical zones across the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Pacific island chains.
Medical experts say most people experience a high fever, muscle and joint pain, headache and rash, with recovery in a week or so for uncomplicated cases. “It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death,” Dr. Mark Fischer previously said. Severe dengue can lead to bleeding from the nose or gums and vomiting of blood, and roughly one in 20 people who catch it will develop severe disease.
There is no specific antiviral drug to treat dengue, so care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. People are advised to rest, use acetaminophen for fever and pain, stay well hydrated and seek medical care if symptoms worsen. Health providers can monitor warning signs and manage severe outcomes like plasma leakage or hemorrhage in a hospital setting.
A vaccine exists but is limited in its use: it is approved for U.S. children ages 9 to 16 who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in areas where the virus is common. That targeted approach reflects both benefits and risks tied to prior infection status, so vaccination decisions require a clear medical history and testing. Travelers and residents should verify local recommendations before seeking immunization.
When returning from dengue-endemic areas, people should protect themselves from mosquito bites for at least three weeks, since mosquitoes can feed on an infected person and spread the virus to others. If symptoms develop within two weeks of travel, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out dengue and other infections. Preventing bites also reduces the chance of onward transmission in places where the vector is present.
Practical prevention starts at home and on the road: remove standing water where mosquitoes breed, including buckets, plant saucers, bromeliads, rain barrels and small containers left outdoors. Experts advise using effective repellents and wearing protective clothing, especially at dusk and in the evening when many dengue-transmitting mosquitoes are active. “It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects,” Fischer said.
Other sensible steps include keeping windows and door screens in good repair and sleeping under nets in high-risk areas to reduce indoor bites. “Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin.” “If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects,” Fischer added.
