With more than one-third of the world’s population living in areas at risk for transmission, dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. As many as 100 million people are infected yearly. Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. There are not yet any vaccines to prevent infection with dengue virus (DENV) and the most effective protective measures are those that avoid mosquito bites. When infected, early recognition and prompt supportive treatment can substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease.
Dengue has emerged as a worldwide problem only since the 1950s. Although dengue rarely occurs in the continental United States, it is endemic in Puerto Rico, and in many popular tourist destinations in Latin America and Southeast Asia; periodic outbreaks occur in Samoa and Guam.
Frequently Asked Questions & Fact Sheet
Key dengue information...
Travel/Outbreak Notices
Critical information for travelers...
Prevention
Avoid getting infected whether at home or on travel...
If You Think You Have Dengue...
Symptoms and actions to take...
Epidemiology and Statistics
Transmission, information on epidemics and stats...
Entomology and Ecology
Mosquito that spreads dengue and its ecology...
Clinical and Laboratory Guidance
Tools for clinicians and laboratorians...
Education and Training
Dengue educational tools...
News & Highlights
New! Characteristics and intended use of the CDC DENV-1-4 Real-Time RT-PCR Assay
Information for Specific Groups
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dengue Branch
1324 Calle Cañada
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00920-3860 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov