On March 18, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update about the ongoing risk of dengue virus infections in the United States. Dengue activity remains high in some parts of the United States and globally, with many countries reporting higher-than-usual number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025.
Global dengue activity remains high, with major outbreaks in the Americas, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leading to record travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the U.S.
In 2024, the Americas reported 13 million dengue cases and 8,200 deaths, with early 2025 data showing a continued rise. Puerto Rico remains under a public health emergency, while Florida, California, and Texas have recorded locally acquired infections. The CDC urges healthcare providers to remain vigilant for dengue in patients with fever and recent travel history and to educate travelers on mosquito bite prevention before, during, and after trips.
Public Recommendations
• Familiarize yourself with the guidance provided in the June 2024 HAN (CDCHAN-00511) on dengue in the United States and CDC’s current Travel Health Notice on global dengue.
• When traveling to regions with ongoing or frequent dengue transmission, take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during travel, particularly if traveling to an area with frequent or continuous dengue transmission.
• Additionally, after returning from your trip, continue mosquito bite prevention measures for at least 3 weeks to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others in areas where mosquitoes are present. These precautions also help minimize the risk of other vector-borne illnesses.
With spring and summer travel coinciding with peak dengue season, the CDC warns that local transmission may increase in mosquito-prone U.S. regions. Travelers and healthcare providers should take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
