Dengue
Based on CDC and WHO guidance, checked against those sources on Oct 12, 2026. Educational information only — not a diagnosis or a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.
1 · Prevention
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent (for example with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone) as directed; apply sunscreen first, then repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; consider permethrin-treated clothing.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens; use a bed net if needed.
- Remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
Vaccines & preventive medicines
- No dengue vaccine is currently available in the United States. Elsewhere, WHO recommends one vaccine (TAK-003, Qdenga) for children aged 6–16 in areas with high dengue transmission. Availability differs by country — ask a healthcare professional. A vaccine does not replace preventing mosquito bites.
2 · Possible exposure
- There is no test or treatment after a mosquito bite alone — watch for fever for 2 weeks after time in an area with dengue.
- Keep preventing mosquito bites for 3 weeks after you return, so local mosquitoes can't pick up the virus.
3 · Symptoms or illness
- See a healthcare provider, and tell them about recent travel.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain. Do NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs — they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Prevent mosquito bites while sick so local mosquitoes don't spread the virus to others.
- Watch closely for warning signs, especially in the 24–48 hours after the fever goes away — this is when severe dengue can develop.
Protect family & others
- Avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent local spread.
- Remove standing water around your home.
- You don't need to stay away from people — dengue doesn't spread through everyday contact. Preventing mosquito bites is what protects others.
Groups at higher risk of severe illness
- People who have had dengue before (a second infection can be more severe)
- Infants and pregnant people