Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations, CDC alerts
As spring breakers this season continue to head south into warmer territory, mosquitoes are posing a health risk that calls for extra attention.
Global cases of dengue fever are on the rise, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and it's warning of an uptick in U.S. travelers.
The agency released a Health Alert Network advisory on March 18 noting that dengue activity and transmission "remain high" in some parts of the U.S. and globally, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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"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," the CDC wrote.
The CDC has marked dengue fever as a level 1 health alert, urging the public to "practice usual precautions."
This includes avoiding mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in a room that has air conditioning or screened windows.
Many countries have reported a "higher-than-usual" number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, the CDC noted.
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The following countries have also reported higher-than-expected numbers of dengue cases among American travelers returning to U.S. soil: Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia and Sudan.
Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito.
It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to the CDC.
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In 2024, more than 13 million cases were reported in North, Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean.
Local transmission of these outbreaks was reported in California, Texas and Florida last year.
Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.
Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.
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"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital.
There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC.
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Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.
There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.