CDC - Dengue Fever Information for Travelers

       Dengue Fever Information for Travelers

          Please see the Destinations section for recommendations for specific 
            countries.
             
      Dengue viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are most active during       the day. These vector mosquitoes are found near human habitations and are       often present indoors. Epidemic transmission is usually seasonal, during 
      and shortly after the rainy season.
      Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset, high fever, severe 
      headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, and rash. The rash may       appear 3–4 days after the onset of fever. Infection is diagnosed by a 
      blood test that detects the presence of the virus or antibodies. The 
      illness may last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2–4 weeks.       Dengue is commonly confused with other infectious illnesses such as 
      influenza, measles, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis, and scarlet fever. 
      The symptoms of dengue can be treated with bed rest, fluids, and 
      medications to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen; aspirin should be 
      avoided. Travelers should alert their physician of any fever illnesses 
      occurring within 3 weeks after leaving an endemic area. There is no 
      vaccine for dengue fever; therefore, the traveler should avoid mosquito 
      bites by remaining in well screened or air-conditioned areas. Travelers to       tropical areas are advised to use mosquito repellents on skin and 
      clothing, to bring aerosol insecticides to use indoors, and use bednets.
      The risk of dengue for each geographic area will have variations. The risk       is generally higher in urban areas. There are no requirements precluding 
      traveler entry to any country.
      Africa
      Dengue fever occurs endemically in most of the region and as periodic 
      epidemics. It is found in both rural and urban areas and poses a health 
      hazard to travelers; the risk of infection is highest in urban centers. 
      (Please check the information in the Destinations section on Central 
      Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.)
      Southeast Asia and China
      Dengue fever occurs endemically in most of the region and as periodic 
      epidemics. It is found in both rural and urban areas and poses a health 
      hazard to travelers; the risk is highest in urban centers. (Please check 
      the information in the Destinations section on Southeast Asia and East 
      Asia.)
      Indian Subcontinent
      Dengue fever occurs endemically and as periodic epidemics. It is found in       both rural and urban areas and poses a health hazard to travelers; the 
      risk is highest in urban centers. (Please check the information in the 
      Destinations section on the Indian Subcontinent.)
      The Middle East
      Dengue fever is endemic in some urban centers and occurs sporadically in 
      epidemics; the risk of infection is small for most travelers except during       periods of epidemic transmission. (Please check the information in the 
      Destinations section on the Middle East.)
      South America
      Dengue fever occurs endemically in many urban centers and as periodic 
      epidemics. It occurs in both rural and urban areas and poses a health 
      hazard to travelers; the risk is highest in urban centers. (Please check 
      the information in the Destinations section on Tropical South America and 
      Temperate South America.)
      Central America
      Dengue fever occurs endemically in most urban centers and as periodic 
      epidemics. It occurs in both rural and urban areas and poses a health 
      hazard to travelers; the risk is highest in urban centers. (Please check 
      the information in the Destinations section on Central America.)
      Caribbean
      Dengue fever occurs endemically in most Caribbean Islands and as periodic       epidemics. It occurs in both rural and urban areas and poses a health 
      hazard to travelers; the risk is highest in urban centers. (Please check 
      the information in the Destinations section on the Caribbean.)
      Australia and the South and Central Pacific
      Dengue fever is endemic with periodic epidemics in parts of northern 
      Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands of Australia as well as most of 
      the South and Central Pacific Islands; there is a risk to the traveler in       those specific areas. New Zealand is free of dengue fever. (Please check 
      the information in the Destinations section on Australia and the South 
      Pacific.)