“Should I be concerned about dengue?”
I've seen on the news that there have been a couple of dengue-related deaths around the world. As someone living in the US, should I be concerned?
5 Answers
Please find CDC update on Dengue in the US as follows:
Nearly all dengue cases reported in the 48 contiguous US states were in travelers infected elsewhere. The few infectious Dengue outbreaks occasionally occur in the continental United States. Dengue is common in the US territories of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. In the United States, local dengue outbreaks most recently occurred in Hawaii (2015), Florida (2013), and Texas (2013). Most outbreaks in the United States have been relatively small and limited to small areas. The types of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) spread dengue are common throughout many areas of the United States, local spread of dengue is therefore, possible.
Nearly all dengue cases reported in the 48 contiguous US states were in travelers infected elsewhere. The few infectious Dengue outbreaks occasionally occur in the continental United States. Dengue is common in the US territories of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. In the United States, local dengue outbreaks most recently occurred in Hawaii (2015), Florida (2013), and Texas (2013). Most outbreaks in the United States have been relatively small and limited to small areas. The types of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) spread dengue are common throughout many areas of the United States, local spread of dengue is therefore, possible.
The short answer is no, you should not be concerned. Dengue rarely spreads in the continental US. The rare outbreaks occur in Florida or the Gulf Coast from an imported case. These small outbreaks typically involve fewer than 50 individuals. Dengue is endemic in the US territory of Puerto Rico.
Dengue is a mosquito borne virus endemic to many warm climates. In North America, it is common in the Caribbean, with a few cases in southern states. If traveling in endemic zones, use appropriate insect repellent. A vaccine is in development.
Maira Jessica Medellin-Peña
Infectious Disease Specialist
There is NO risk of contracting dengue fever in North America. All cases in North America have been among travelers returning from areas where dengue is present.
In areas where the dengue virus is present, people who are bitten by mosquitoes are at risk of contracting dengue fever. These areas include urban and semi-urban areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Your risk increases if you stay for an extended time in these areas.
When travelling to areas where dengue fever is present, your risk of contracting the virus is reduced if you protect yourself properly from mosquito bites.
In areas where the dengue virus is present, people who are bitten by mosquitoes are at risk of contracting dengue fever. These areas include urban and semi-urban areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Your risk increases if you stay for an extended time in these areas.
When travelling to areas where dengue fever is present, your risk of contracting the virus is reduced if you protect yourself properly from mosquito bites.
No, unless you live in an area that is endemic with mosquito-borne diseases like a dengue Zika. You should observe attempts at mosquito control following local precautions.
