Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Most cases reported in the 49 continental states are linked to travel, but local spread can happen; dengue is endemic in several U.S. territories and freely associated states. If you develop a fever or other symptoms after possible exposure, contact a health care professional and mention where and when you traveled. Seek urgent care for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding.
What dengue is—and where it occurs in the U.S.
Dengue is caused by four related viruses and is spread mainly through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. A person can get dengue more than once. Worldwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 400 million people are infected each year, though many infections cause no symptoms.
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In the 49 continental states, most reported cases are associated with travel to places where dengue is spreading. Local transmission is also possible. CDC identifies dengue as endemic in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. “Endemic” means the disease is regularly present in an area, not that every mosquito or community is affected. See CDC’s public health considerations for dengue for the U.S. context.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In 2024, U.S. states and Washington, D.C., reported a dengue case total 359% higher than the 2010–2023 annual average. CDC’s May 2026 report says 97.2% of those 2024 cases were travel-associated and 2.8% were locally acquired. Those figures describe 2024, not current 2026 incidence. CDC labels 2026 case data provisional; reporting delays, under-reporting, and differing state and territorial reporting schedules make current counts subject to change and limit comparisons between places. See the May 14, 2026 CDC MMWR report and CDC’s current-year data page.
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What are the symptoms of dengue?
About one in four dengue infections cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they usually begin within two weeks of an infected mosquito bite and commonly include fever with one or more of the following:
- Headache or pain behind the eyes
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
Most illness lasts two to seven days. Some people develop severe dengue, but symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis. CDC estimates that about one in 20 patients with dengue progress to severe dengue. For more on symptoms and infection, see CDC’s dengue overview and clinical features of dengue.
Which warning signs need urgent medical attention?
Get medical help promptly if dengue is suspected, and seek urgent care for warning signs of severe dengue. These can appear as the fever goes away, so a falling temperature does not necessarily mean the danger has passed.
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- Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
- Persistent vomiting
- Fluid accumulation
- Bleeding from the nose or gums, or other mucosal bleeding
The critical phase typically occurs three to eight days after fever begins. CDC says warning signs, severe dengue, or certain medical conditions may require hospital management. Call emergency services for a life-threatening emergency. Review CDC clinical care guidance for warning signs and care considerations.
How is dengue treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. A health care professional can evaluate suspected dengue, assess the risk of severe illness, and advise on appropriate care. CDC’s supportive-care guidance includes rest, plenty of fluids, and acetaminophen for fever or pain. Water and drinks with added electrolytes can help maintain fluid intake.
Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, unless a clinician specifically directs otherwise; these medicines can increase bleeding risk. Home care is not a substitute for medical evaluation when dengue is suspected or warning signs develop. See CDC’s guidance on managing dengue.
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How can I prevent dengue?
The most effective practical step is to prevent mosquito bites. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night.
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- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to its label.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Reduce standing water and other mosquito-breeding opportunities around your home.
- When traveling, choose screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use a bed net if those options are unavailable or if you sleep outdoors.
Before travel, review destination-specific advice and consider pre-travel care. After returning from an area with dengue risk, continue bite prevention for three weeks to reduce the chance of passing the virus to local mosquitoes. Watch for symptoms for two weeks after travel; if fever or other symptoms develop, tell your clinician about the trip. CDC’s dengue prevention guidance covers bite prevention and travel precautions.
Can I get a dengue vaccine in the United States?
As of CDC’s August 31, 2026 update, no dengue vaccine is available in the United States. Dengvaxia was discontinued in 2024. Qdenga is authorized in some countries but is not available or recommended in the United States, so neither is a current U.S. vaccination option for travelers. Check CDC’s vaccine and prevention page for current status.
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