CDC Issues Global Dengue Travel Alert Amid Rising Cases
WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a global travel alert for dengue, warning that travelers returning to the U.S. Are testing positive for the mosquito-borne illness. The advisory, issued on Monday, is classified as a “Level 1” notice, which urges travelers to “practice usual precautions.”
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue, also known as “dengue fever” or “breakbone fever,” is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, rash, and minor bleeding. While most people infected with the dengue virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness, dengue can become severe and life-threatening, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Severe dengue can manifest as hemorrhaging, uncontrolled bleeding, severely low blood pressure, and organ failure.
Global Prevalence and Current Risk
Almost half of the world’s population, approximately 4 billion people, live in areas with a risk of dengue. Dengue is common in many countries globally, affecting the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Currently, some countries are reporting higher than usual numbers of cases, or increased infections among U.S. Travelers returning home.
As of March 4, 2026, no countries met the criteria for being in the high transmission category and having 10 or more cases reported among travelers in the last three months, according to the CDC. But, the following countries have been identified as areas with elevated risk:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Cuba
- Guyana
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- New Caledonia
- Pakistan
- Samoa
- Sudan
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
So far in 2026, more than 525 cases of dengue have been reported in the U.S.
Prevention Measures
Travelers can reduce their risk of infection by taking the following precautions:
- Employ insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves, and pants.
- Stay in accommodations with air conditioning or window screens to avoid mosquito exposure.
CDC Guidance and Travel Recommendations
The CDC emphasizes that the advisory does not call for canceling travel plans. Instead, it serves as a reminder to take precautions, especially when visiting tropical and subtropical regions where outbreaks occur periodically. The CDC provides country-specific travel information to help travelers plan and pack appropriately.
For healthcare professionals, the CDC offers vital guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dengue. Resources are also available for health departments regarding reporting cases and controlling mosquito populations.