Dengue Virus

Updated October 16, 2026

Talking Points

What is Dengue?

1. Dengue virus (DENV) is a common virus spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. In 2024, cases of Dengue virus in the United States jumped 359%, amid a global surge of cases. As of October 2026, Florida is experiencing its worst outbreak since the 1940s. 
2. Most people who become infected do not experience symptoms. However, symptoms can include fever with nausea, vomiting, rash, intense pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, or headache. Symptoms may begin within two weeks after a mosquito bite and typically resolve within one week.

Dengue Transmission

1. How:  Dengue is transmitted to humans through bites of infected mosquitoes. It does not spread from human to human, but a mosquito can bite someone with dengue fever and then bite someone else, spreading the virus between people. Dengue can be passed from an infected pregnant person to their baby.
2. Transmissions typically peak in many countries during spring and summer, or warmer and wetter months. This peak coincides with the heaviest period of travel to and from the United States and can increase the risk of travel-associated and local cases. As global temperatures increase, there may be increased dengue cases in areas of the U.S. where dengue is not typically present due to travel-associated and local transmissions. Over the last three years, there have been dengue cases in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, New York, and California. As of October 2026, Florida is experiencing its worst outbreak since the 1940s. 
3. Where: Dengue outbreaks are frequently reported in popular tourist destinations, including the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. Several of these destinations are reporting a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases in 2025. Six U.S. territories and freely associated states are classified as areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission: Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
4. If you live in or travel to areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission, you are at increased risk of dengue virus and should get tested if you are experiencing symptoms.

Dengue Prevention and Vaccination

1. Prevention: If you live in or travel to areas with continuous or frequent dengue transmission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved repellents and wearing protective clothing like loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants can offer protection from mosquitos.
2. Vaccination: Currently, vaccination is only recommended for certain children living in areas with high Dengue transmission.

Dengue Treatment

1. There is no specific treatment or medicine for dengue. If you have dengue, you can alleviate symptoms through rest, hydration, and acetaminophen to control fever and pain. Do not take ibuprofen (like Advil®) or aspirin. This can increase your risk of internal bleeding complications.
2. If you have dengue, continue to take prevention measures to avoid future mosquito bites. This helps prevent the spread of the virus from a person sick with dengue to a mosquito that can then bite and infect others.