Getty Stock image of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued a new warning about the increasing cases of dengue fever in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are popular spring break destinations. This warning comes as many schools go on break. Symptoms of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, include aches and pains (behind the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting, rash, and fever. The CDC reports that transmission of the virus remains high, with cases steadily rising each year. In 2024, there were 13 million cases and 8,200 deaths in North and South America, while 2023 saw 4.6 million cases and 2,400 deaths. As of March 6, there have been 760,000 dengue cases, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous five years.
Getty Stock image of Cane Bay Beach in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Last year, there were 3,483 cases of dengue fever among U.S. travelers, an 84% increase from 2023. The CDC anticipates this trend to continue due to the rising dengue activity worldwide. Puerto Rico declared dengue an epidemic in March 2024 and continues to experience a high number of cases above the outbreak threshold, with 936 confirmed cases reported so far this year. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, there have been 30 identified cases, and the previous declaration of an outbreak remains in effect. Florida has seen 45 cases, primarily in Miami-Dade county.
The CDC warns that one in four people infected with dengue will fall ill, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. While most individuals recover within a week, 1 in 20 may experience severe symptoms that could lead to shock, internal bleeding, or death. The agency advises individuals to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as a bloody nose or gums, blood in stool or vomit, or vomiting three times in 24 hours. Travelers are urged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites while in areas with high dengue activity and to remain vigilant for three weeks after returning home to prevent spreading the virus if they are infected.
