Dengue is a viral illness, and the virus is transmitted by mosquitoesspecificallyAedesspecies.
(Yes, there are different species of mosquitoes.)
It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
There are four types of dengue, numbered simply 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The symptoms of a mild case of dengue include high fever, body aches, and often a rash.
You may also experience nausea and vomiting, and a headache and/or pain behind the eyes.
Most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks, theWorld Health Organization says.
In severe cases of dengue, more symptoms may appear after the fever has gone away.
Dengue is the worlds most common insect-transmitted disease.
There is no antiviral treatment for dengue, only supportive care.
So why the advisory?
Well, many of the places you might catch dengue are popular vacation destinations.
Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, and California have all had locally transmitted dengue cases.
A travel case can turn into a local outbreak, although this isn’t common.
Say your neighbor just got back from a vacation in Puerto Rico, and you both live in Florida.
It’s possible for a mosquito to bite that person, and then to bite you.
Where do dengue-carrying mosquitoes live?
Dengue is transmitted byAedesmosquitoes, especiallyAedes aegypti, but sometimesAedes albopictus.
They can also breed in very small containers of standing water, like the saucers underneath flowerpots.
The CDCs most recent maps are from 2017, but here they are.A.
There are also very likely areas in Texas, Arizona, and California.
How can I protect myself from dengue?
The CDC recommends that we all take steps to protect ourselves from mosquito bites.
This includes using EPA-registered repellents on your skin.
The CDC hasa list and map hereof locations outside the U.S. where dengue risk is high.
