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Dengue is present in the United States, but risk depends heavily on where you are and whether you have traveled. Most cases reported among residents of the 50 states and Washington, DC, have been associated with travel; local transmission in the continental states has occurred sporadically. Frequent or continuous transmission is concentrated in several U.S. territories and freely associated states. CDC’s latest detailed national analysis covers 2024, not 2026, so its figures should not be read as a count of this year’s outbreak.

Is dengue spreading in the United States?

Yes, but “outbreak in the U.S.” does not mean dengue is spreading uniformly across the country. The distinction between travel-associated infections and locally acquired infections—and between continental states and places with frequent transmission—is important.

  • In the 50 states and Washington, DC: most reported cases have been associated with travel. Local transmission has occurred, but CDC describes it as sporadic.
  • In some U.S. jurisdictions: CDC describes frequent or continuous transmission in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

CDC has also reported prior local transmission in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Arizona, and California. These reports do not mean that dengue is currently circulating in every community in those states.

What the latest detailed U.S. case figures show

CDC’s detailed analysis, published May 14, 2026, covers dengue cases in 2024 among residents of the 50 states and Washington, DC. It counted 3,798 cases, 359% more than the annual average of 828 during 2010–2023. These are historical surveillance counts, not a 2026 total.

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2024 finding What CDC reported
Cases in the 50 states and Washington, DC 3,798
Travel-associated 3,693 cases (97.2%)
Locally acquired 105 cases (2.8%)
Share reported in July–September 41.6%
Hospitalized 36.1% of reported patients
Classified as severe dengue 2.8% of cases
Deaths 6 (0.2%); all were travel-associated cases that developed severe dengue

Florida reported 1,044 cases, California 720, New York 338, and Texas 241 in 2024. The locally acquired cases were reported from Florida (85), California (18), and Texas (2). These state totals describe where residents were counted, not necessarily where they were exposed.

For current-year figures, consult CDC’s 2026 dengue data page or your state or territorial health department. CDC labels current-year figures provisional: reports can be delayed and totals can change. Cases are assigned by county of residence, and reporting schedules may differ between CDC and state or territorial agencies.

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How dengue spreads and who may be exposed

Dengue is caused by one of four related virus types and spreads mainly through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. A person can be infected more than once. In the continental states, travel is associated with most reported cases; local transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes spread the virus in a community.

Destination and timing matter. The 2024 state/DC cases were most often reported in July through September, but that historical pattern is not a forecast for this year. Before or during travel, check destination-specific guidance from public-health authorities and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

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  • 20FT ZONE OF MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Proprietary formula provides the largest protection zone of all EPA registered mosquito repellents. The advanced E-ZoneGuard Patio provides continuous protection powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 5.5 hours of run time. TSA compliant (Carry-on only).
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Symptoms and warning signs

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, aches and pains—often behind the eyes or in the muscles, joints, or bones—nausea or vomiting, and rash. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and most people recover after about a week. See CDC’s overview of dengue for additional symptom information.

Contact a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms and mention recent travel. Seek urgent medical assessment for warning signs such as abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation, or bleeding from the nose or gums. Severe dengue can involve shock, breathing difficulty related to fluid leakage, severe bleeding, or serious organ involvement; it requires urgent medical care.

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Treatment and what to do if you feel ill

There is no specific medicine that treats dengue. For uncomplicated illness, CDC advises rest, fluids, and acetaminophen for fever or pain. Ask a healthcare professional about appropriate care, particularly if symptoms worsen or warning signs appear. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen as dengue self-treatment without checking current clinical guidance.

  1. Call a healthcare professional if you have dengue-like symptoms, especially after travel to an area where dengue occurs.
  2. Explain when and where you traveled and when symptoms began; this information can help guide assessment.
  3. Get urgent care if warning signs develop rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
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How to reduce the risk of mosquito bites

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent dengue. CDC recommends using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent and following the product label for directions and precautions. Combine repellent with practical steps to limit bites, particularly when visiting places where dengue transmission occurs. See CDC’s dengue prevention guidance.

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Who should ask about dengue vaccination?

CDC’s U.S. recommendation is limited: vaccination is recommended for children ages 9–16 who have laboratory-confirmed evidence of a previous dengue infection and live in areas where dengue is common. The vaccine is not approved for U.S. travelers who visit those areas but do not live there. Ask a healthcare professional or local health department whether current recommendations apply to a specific person or location.

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