Dengue Fever Risk Elevated Ahead of Spring Break 2026: CDC Updates Travel Health Notice

As Spring Break 2026 travel plans are finalized, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its global Dengue travel health notice, highlighting elevated risks in 15 countries across Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific. Dengue remains a year-round threat in many tropical and subtropical regions.

Countries with Elevated Dengue Risk

The CDC identifies the following countries as posing elevated risks for travelers as of February 19, 2026:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Cuba
• Guyana
• Maldives
• Mali
• Mauritania
• New Caledonia
• Pakistan
• Samoa
• Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

Dengue in the Americas

Brazil continues to be a significant concern in the Americas, reporting over 133,000 cases and 8 fatalities since the start of 2026. In the United States, most Dengue cases are travel-associated, but limited local transmission has been observed in Florida, Texas, and California, where the appropriate mosquito vectors are present. Florida has already reported travel-related Dengue cases in 2026.

2025 Dengue Case Data

In 2025, the CDC reported 429 cases of Dengue among individuals who had traveled internationally. Specifically, 311 cases were linked to travel from Cuba and 21 from Puerto Rico. 62 locally acquired cases were reported along Florida’s east coast.

Prevention and Vaccination

Preventive measures are crucial for anyone traveling to or living in at-risk areas. As of February 19, 2026, Dengue vaccination options for U.S. Travelers are limited. The Dengvaxia vaccine has been discontinued in the United States due to low global demand, with remaining supplies in Puerto Rico expected to expire by mid-2026. Internationally, vaccines like Qdenga are authorized in over 40 countries, and newer options, such as Brazil’s single-dose Butantan-DV vaccine, are being implemented through national programs. Travelers should consult travel vaccination clinics for the most up-to-date vaccination advice before visiting at-risk countries.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms typically develop within 2 weeks and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding. Severe dengue is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.

For more information, please visit the CDC Travel Health Notices and the CDC’s Global Dengue page.