The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its global travel advisory due to a notable increase in dengue fever cases worldwide. The mosquito-borne illness, which can cause severe bleeding and other life-threatening complications, has seen a significant uptick in affected regions, prompting the agency to advise travelers to take precautions.
The CDC identified 12 countries where travelers face an elevated risk of contracting dengue fever: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. The agency indicated that it has detected a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases among U.S. travelers returning from these destinations.
Recommended preventative measures for travelers include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or spaces equipped with window screens.
The United States is also experiencing an increase in dengue fever cases. As of the CDC's update, there have been 346 travel-associated cases and 73 locally acquired cases in the contiguous U.S. Florida has reported 72 of these local cases, with one case identified in Virginia. These figures are part of a broader trend, as a CDC report from earlier in the year highlighted a 359 percent rise in average annual dengue cases in the U.S. in 2024 compared to the 2010-2023 annual average. In 2024, a record 3,798 dengue fever cases were reported, a substantial increase from the average of 828 cases per year. Of these 2024 cases, 97 percent were travel-associated, while 105 cases, or three percent, were locally acquired. Among all patients, 36 percent required hospitalization, three percent experienced severe illness, and six deaths were reported.
Dengue fever can range from asymptomatic infection to severe, life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding, respiratory distress, heart failure, shock, and organ failure. Dengue shock syndrome, characterized by severe bleeding leading to a rapid drop in blood pressure, is a critical concern. Individuals under five years old, those over 65, and pregnant women are considered most vulnerable to severe outcomes.
While dengue was largely eradicated from the U.S. in the 1970s, sporadic outbreaks have occurred since, particularly in warmer states. Most cases recorded within the U.S. are linked to international travel. The CDC's Level 1 travel advisory urges Americans to practice usual precautions, representing the lowest tier of travel alert.
The Americas region experienced a significant dengue fever outbreak in 2025, with Brazil alone recording nearly 200,000 cases. Although cases in the region remain above normal levels, they are below the peak observed last year.
Dengue fever symptoms, which appear abruptly five to seven days after infection, can include fever above 100°F (38°C), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, bone, joint or muscle pain, and bleeding gums. Some individuals may also develop a rash on the face. Severe cases can manifest with intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and lethargy.
There is no specific cure for dengue fever; treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and complications. Mild cases typically involve rest, ample fluid intake, and pain relief medication like Tylenol. Severe cases may necessitate hospitalization for intravenous fluids, blood pressure monitoring, and blood transfusions.
A three-dose dengue vaccine is available for children aged nine to 16 years, which has been shown to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by approximately 80 percent. Dengue is a year-round threat present in over 100 countries globally, with outbreaks occurring cyclically every two to five years.