As spring switches this season continue to go south to a warmer territory, mosquitoes are raising a health risk that requires additional care.
Global dengue fever cases are increasing, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) say, and it is a warning of an increase in US travelers.
The agency published a notice of the Health Alert Network on March 18, pointing out that the activity and transmission of dengue “remain high” in some parts of the United States and worldwide, including US territories of Puerto Rico and the virgin islands of the United States.
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“Spring and summer trips coincide with the high season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of cases associated with trips and locally acquired in the United States,” the CDC wrote.
CDCs have marked dengue fever as a level 1 health alert, urging the public to “practice habitual precautions.”
Dengue fever transmission is higher than expected among US travelers, CDC reported. (Istock)
This includes avoiding mosquito bites using an insect repellent recorded in the EPA, with long -sleeved shirts and long pants when it is outdoors, and sleeping in a room that has air conditioning or screen windows.
Many countries have reported a “higher than usual” number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, the CDC said.
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The following countries have also reported dengue cases higher than expected among US travelers returning to American soil: Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia and Sudan.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a propagated virus through the bites of an infected mosquito.
It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to 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.
The local transmission of these outbreaks was reported in California, Texas and Florida last year.
The CDC reported local dengue fever transmissions in California, Texas and Florida in 2024. (Istock)
Typical symptoms include pain and pain (in eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rashes, generally experienced within two weeks of being bitten.
Most people experience symptoms for two or seven days before recovering.
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“Usually, it is a milder disease, but it can be serious, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death,” said Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading company of medical and security services, Fox News Digital.
Dengue fever spreads through infected mosquitoes and can cause symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, nausea, vomiting and eruption. (Istock)
There is currently no medication to treat dengue, according to 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 US children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously given dengue and live in areas where infection is common.
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Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reports.
