As spring breakers continue to head south this season, mosquitoes pose health risks, which need to be paid particular attention.
The global cases of dengue fever are on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And that's a warning of an increase in US travellers.
The agency announced its Health Alert Network Advisory on March 18th. This states that dengue activity and transmission is “high” in the US and some parts of the world, including the US territory of Puerto Rico and the US territory islands.
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“Spring and summer travel coincides with the peak season of dengue fever in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-related cases and locally acquired cases,” the CDC writes.
The CDC marks dengue as a level 1 health alert, urging the public to “put normal precautions.”
Dengue fever propagation is higher than expected among US travelers, the CDC reports. (istock)
This includes avoiding mosquito bites by sleeping in a room with air conditioning and windows, wearing a long sleeve shirt and long pants outdoors, using EPA-registered insect repellents.
Many countries have reported “higher than normal” dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, the CDC said.
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The following countries report more dengue cases than expected among American travelers returning to US soils: Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, San Lucia.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue is a virus that spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes.
Among other countries, it is common in the US, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, according to the CDC.
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In 2024, more than 13 million cases were reported in North, Central, South America, South America and South America, as were the Caribbean.
Local communication of these outbreaks was reported last year in California, Texas and Florida.
The CDC reported local transmissions of dengue fever in California, Texas and Florida in 2024. (istock)
Typical symptoms include pain or pain (eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting, and rashes. Usually, it is experienced within two weeks of being bitten.
Most people experience symptoms for 2-7 days before they recover.
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“It is usually mild, but it can be severe and can lead to headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death,” Dr. Mark Fisher, Regional Medical Director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital.
Dengue fever can spread to infected mosquitoes and can cause symptoms such as muscle pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and rash. (istock)
According to the CDC, there are currently no drugs to treat dengue.
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Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen due to pain or fever, maintain hydration, and see a doctor.
There is a vaccine available to our children ages 9 to 16 who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in areas where infections are common.
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Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed the report.
