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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level 1 global travel advisory due to rising cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease known for causing brain bleeds. The advisory, announced on Monday (March 24), warns travelers heading to 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Colombia, to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Dengue fever, primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, can lead to severe symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and, in critical cases, life-threatening complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. According to the CDC, travelers should wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with window screens to minimize the risk.
The CDC's warning comes as the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific regions report higher-than-usual dengue activity. In the United States, Florida remains a hotspot, with several cases linked to international travel. In 2025, Florida recorded 62 locally acquired dengue cases, while 429 cases were linked to international travel, with Cuba being a significant source.
While there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, supportive care is recommended. The CDC advises travelers to dengue-risk areas to take standard precautions against mosquito bites. Although a three-dose dengue vaccine is available in some countries, it is not recommended for most travelers in the continental U.S.
The CDC's travel alert emphasizes the importance of protective measures, especially for vulnerable groups like children under five, adults over 65, and pregnant women, who are most at risk from the virus.