CDC Issues Travel Alert for Dengue Amid Rising Cases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert due to an increase in dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers returning from various countries.

Dengue, also known as "breakbone fever," is a mosquito-borne illness.

Countries on Alert

Countries identified in the CDC's March 23 alert with a higher-than-expected number of returning traveler cases include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Dengue in the U.S.

Most dengue cases reported in the U.S. originate from individuals who contracted the disease abroad. However, local transmission is also common in American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As of current data, 496 dengue cases have been reported in the U.S. this year.

Understanding Symptoms and Treatment

Approximately 25% of individuals bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body pains in muscles and joints. Treatment typically involves acetaminophen, rest, and fluids.

Critical Warning: Severe Dengue

Individuals who have previously had dengue are at a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease.

Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours, with symptoms such as severe belly pain, frequent vomiting, or internal bleeding.

Immediate medical attention or an emergency room visit is required for suspected severe cases, as it constitutes a medical emergency.