About Dengue
Dengue (also called dengue fever) is a disease caused by any of the four related viruses: dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. Dengue virus is spread by some Aedes species mosquitoes (mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The main symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, and intense muscle and joint pain. Dengue cannot spread from person to person.
Where is Dengue Found
Dengue is a common disease in many areas of the world, affecting parts of the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. People most commonly become infected with dengue while traveling in regions where it is widespread.
Dengue transmission in the continental United States is rare but does occasionally occur. Limited local dengue transmission has been reported in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, and California; risk varies over place and time. Certain U.S. territories see relatively higher rates of transmission, including Puerto Rico. CDC provides global dengue travel notices about countries reporting higher than usual numbers of cases.
Dengue in Washington
The types of mosquitoes that can transmit dengue are not currently known to be found in Washington state; however, mosquito distributions are changing with warming climate. Recent detections of Aedes aegypti have been reported as far north as southern Oregon. At present, Washingtonians are only at risk of dengue if they travel to areas with ongoing dengue transmission.
There are generally 10-20 cases of dengue reported each year among Washingtonians arriving from areas where dengue spreads. However, the number of cases reported varies each year depending on global outbreaks and travel trends. It is important to practice mosquito bite prevention while in an area with dengue transmission.
Symptoms
Most people infected with dengue (about three out of four people infected) do not experience symptoms. About one in four people will get sick with mild to severe symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually begin 3-14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, and typically last 2-7 days. Certain people may be at a higher risk of severe dengue complications, including young children and anyone who has been sick with dengue in the past.
Common symptoms of dengue include:
- Fever
- Headaches and/or eye pain
- Intense muscle and join pain (sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever”)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Rash
If you experience symptoms of dengue and recently traveled to a region with dengue, tell your doctor. Do not use ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs to alleviate dengue symptoms, as they increase the risk of bleeding.
A dengue infection can rapidly progress into severe dengue. About 1 out of 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and death. If at any point you develop a fever, watch for the following symptoms 24-48 hours after the fever has gone away:
- Belly pain or tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Gum or nose bleeding
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Feeling extremely tired or restless
If any of these symptoms emerge, go to an emergency room immediately.
Prevention and Treatment
There are no medications or vaccines to prevent dengue that are available for Washingtonians. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to prevent mosquito bites while visiting areas where local spread of dengue has been reported:
- When outdoors, wear clothing that covers your skin and use EPA-registered insect repellant on skin that is exposed. Use permethrin (a type of insecticide that is effective against mosquitoes) on clothing.
- Keep doors and windows closed or use intact screens to cover open windows and doors.
- Purchase and learn how to use a bed net if you plan to sleep outdoors or in areas that are not fully enclosed. Look for nets that are treated with permethrin.
- Keep air conditioning units on if available.
- Mosquitoes that can spread dengue live in and around standing bodies of water. If possible, avoid areas with mosquitoes.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever—treatment plans usually focus on pain management. See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue after visiting areas where dengue may spread. Do not use ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs to alleviate dengue symptoms, as they increase the risk of bleeding.
Preparing for Travel
Before you depart, take steps to prevent dengue infection:
- Check CDC's Traveler Health Destinations to see if dengue is widespread in your destination.
- Check CDC's Travel Health Notices for information about outbreaks and disasters.
- Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic. Your doctor will be able to give you additional guidance on how to keep yourself safe while traveling.
Although Washington does not currently have the primary vectors of dengue (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), you should still actively avoid mosquito bites for 2-3 weeks after traveling to an area with dengue, particularly if stopping over in areas where these mosquitoes are found.
More Resources
For the Public
Areas with Risk of Dengue, CDC