Dengue is transmitted to humans through bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue transmissions typically peak during warmer and wetter months.
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. People who live in or travel to these areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission are at increased risk of dengue virus and can protect themselves by:
- Using repellants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency
- Wearing protective clothing like loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and pants
- Seeking medical care if fever or other dengue symptoms occur
To date, one vaccine (QDenga) has been approved and licensed in select countries. However, it is only available for people ages 6 to 16 years old who live in high transmission settings. Additional vaccines are currently being evaluated.
Added July 12, 2024
