Dengue Travel Alert Identifies 11 Countries — Vax-Before-Travel

After a period of relative decline, the risk of Dengue fever appears to be increasing globally, with eleven countries currently reporting elevated activity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Global Dengue Travel Health Notice on January 22, 2026, to reflect this changing landscape.

Rising Dengue Cases: A Global Concern

The CDC notice, classified as Level 1, highlights increased Dengue activity in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, the Cook Islands (New Zealand), Cuba, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Samoa, Sudan, and Vietnam. This designation is based on public health data indicating surges or ongoing transmission of the virus.

Understanding the Threat

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness spread primarily by Aedes species mosquitoes. It remains a year-round threat in many tropical and subtropical regions, with outbreaks typically occurring every 2-5 years. Symptoms can range from high fever and severe headache to more serious complications like Dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Did You Know? In 2025, 429 cases of Dengue fever were reported among individuals who had traveled internationally.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Dengue in the U.S. The CDC recommends travelers to at-risk areas focus on preventing mosquito bites.

The Situation in the United States

Florida continues to be a focal point for Dengue cases within the United States. In 2025, the state reported 62 locally acquired cases. Additionally, three cases of Dengue were reported in January 2026 in individuals with recent international travel histories.

Expert Insight: The resurgence of Dengue activity in multiple regions underscores the persistent challenge of controlling mosquito-borne diseases, particularly as travel patterns resume and climate conditions favor mosquito breeding. The lack of a widely available vaccine for travelers emphasizes the importance of preventative measures.

While second and third-generation Dengue vaccines, such as Butantan-DV, are available in some countries as of January 23, 2026, they are not yet accessible in the continental U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of Dengue fever?

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as Dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Which countries are currently reporting higher-than-usual Dengue activity?

As of January 22, 2026, the CDC has identified Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, the Cook Islands (New Zealand), Cuba, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Samoa, Sudan, and Vietnam as countries reporting higher-than-usual Dengue activity.

Is there a vaccine available for Dengue fever in the United States?

As of January 23, 2026, there is no universally recommended Dengue vaccine for most travelers in the continental U.S., though second and third-generation vaccines are available in select countries.

Considering the increasing global risk, what steps will you take to protect yourself from mosquito bites during your next trip to a tropical or subtropical destination?