Dengue Fever Surges Globally: Travel Alert Issued

An urgent warning has been issued for travelers due to escalating outbreaks of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease capable of causing brain bleeds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised a level 1 global travel advisory, signaling unusual upticks in dengue cases internationally.

Sixteen countries are specifically identified by the CDC as posing an increased risk to travelers. These nations include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Health officials are advising travelers to utilize insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and ensure sleeping areas are screened or air-conditioned.

Dengue fever often presents asymptomatically but can progress to life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding, shock syndrome, and organ failure, particularly affecting the brain, liver, and heart. Individuals under five, over 65, and pregnant women are at higher risk. While dengue was nearly eradicated in the US by the 1970s, sporadic outbreaks, mainly linked to international travel, have occurred in warmer states like Florida and California.

The Americas experienced a significant dengue outbreak in 2025, with Brazil reporting nearly 200,000 cases. Samoa has been contending with an outbreak since April of the previous year, infecting 16,800 people and causing eight deaths. Globally, dengue is a year-round threat present in over 100 countries, with outbreaks occurring periodically. As of the current date, no locally acquired cases have been detected in the mainland US this year, though 55 travel-related cases have been recorded.