Dengue Fever Surges Across US, Prompting CDC Travel Advisories
Florida leads the nation in cases, with outbreaks also reported in over a dozen other states, as the CDC warns travelers about increased risk in Cuba, Ecuador, and Panama.
Dengue fever, a virus known for causing severe headaches and joint pain often referred to as 'breakbone fever,' has seen a significant increase in cases across the United States. Florida has recorded 485 cases this year, marking its largest outbreak on record and prompting several counties to declare states of emergency.
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that dengue cases have risen since September 21 in Florida and more than a dozen other states, including New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Indiana, Nebraska, Colorado, and West Virginia. West Virginia reported its first case of the virus.
The CDC has also issued Level 1 travel advisories, urging travelers to "practice usual precautions," for Cuba, Ecuador, and Panama due to surging outbreaks of the mosquito-borne virus in those countries. Cuba has reported 11,235 cases this year, Ecuador has confirmed 32,576 cases, and Panama has reported 9,055 cases.
Experts are investigating the precise cause of the nationwide surge but suspect international travel and the expanding presence of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, across the U.S. may be contributing factors. These mosquitoes, commonly found in Florida's warm and humid climate, transmit the virus through their bite.
Nationally, there have been 2,145 reported cases of dengue so far this year, with 79% confirmed and 21% probable. Of these, 1,590 were locally acquired, and 555 were linked to international travel. A CDC report earlier this year indicated a 359% rise in average annual dengue cases in the U.S. in 2024 compared to the 2010-2023 average. In 2024, a record 3,798 dengue fever cases were reported, an increase from the average of 828.
Dengue fever typically causes a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and deep aches in muscles, joints, and bones. While 40% to 80% of infected individuals may not show symptoms, severe cases can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding, respiratory distress, heart failure, shock, and organ failure.
Preventative measures recommended by the CDC include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs, and using screens on windows and doors or staying in air-conditioned spaces. A three-dose vaccine is available for children aged nine to 16 years, which can reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by approximately 80%.
Dengue was largely eradicated from the U.S. in the 1970s, but sporadic outbreaks have occurred since, primarily in warmer states. Treatment for dengue fever involves supportive care and symptom management, including hydration and pain relief. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intensive monitoring and treatment.