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Deadly mosquito-borne virus sparks CDC travel alert -- could it reach the US?

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 17:22 GMT by Fox News
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Deadly Mosquito‑borne Virus Sparks CDC Travel Alert – Could Reach the U.S.

A surge of dengue fever cases in South America has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a “Red Alert” travel notice, warning that the virus could spread into the United States. The alert follows the latest outbreak reports from Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, where the mosquito‑borne disease has claimed hundreds of lives and crippled health systems. While dengue is not a new virus, the current scale of transmission—combined with the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in many U.S. ports of entry and major cities—has triggered heightened vigilance.

The Virus in the Spotlight

Dengue fever is caused by any of four closely related serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV‑1–4). Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding, organ failure, and death. The disease is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in warm, humid climates and breeds in stagnant water—conditions common in tropical and subtropical regions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is now endemic in more than 100 countries, with an estimated 390 million infections each year, of which 96 million manifest clinically. Recent surveillance data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) showed a 45% rise in cases in Brazil alone in 2023, with over 3,200 reported deaths nationwide.

“Dengue is a global health challenge,” says Dr. Maria Luiza Ribeiro, an infectious disease specialist at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. “But the threat of local transmission in the United States has become a real possibility given the widespread presence of Aedes aegypti in several states.”

CDC’s Red Alert: What It Means

The CDC’s travel health notices are categorized into four levels—Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red—with Red indicating the highest level of risk. In a statement, the CDC noted that travelers to the aforementioned countries face a “high risk” of dengue infection and that the virus can potentially be introduced into the United States through infected travelers or local mosquito populations.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging travelers to take all reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to be aware of the symptoms of dengue,” the CDC’s website says. “If you develop fever, severe headache, joint pain, or rash during or after travel to these areas, seek medical care promptly.”

Travelers are encouraged to consult the CDC’s “Travel Health Notices” page for the most current recommendations, and the WHO’s “Dengue Control” page for global updates. Both sources provide detailed guidance on vaccine status, mosquito‑bite prevention, and medical care seeking.

Vaccination – A Limited Option

A dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV), was approved in 2015 for individuals aged 9–45 living in endemic areas. However, the vaccine’s efficacy varies by serotype, and it is contraindicated for people who have never had dengue infection due to an increased risk of severe disease after vaccination. Because of these limitations, the CDC advises that the vaccine be used only in specific circumstances and is not a blanket preventive measure for all travelers.

In contrast, a yellow‑fever vaccine—also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes—remains the only effective vaccine for a mosquito‑borne disease in the U.S. Travelers to the same regions are therefore advised to be up‑to‑date on yellow‑fever immunization, especially if they plan to visit rural or forested areas where the virus is endemic.

Prevention Tips for Travelers

1. Use Insect Repellent – EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 are most effective against Aedes bites.
2. Wear Protective Clothing – Long sleeves, long pants, and light‑colored clothing can reduce skin exposure.
3. Stay in Air‑Conditioned or Screened Environments – Mosquitoes are less likely to enter well‑sealed spaces.
4. Treat Water Containers – Eliminate standing water or treat with larvicides to prevent mosquito breeding.
5. Seek Medical Care Early – If you develop fever, headache, joint pain, or rash, contact a health provider immediately—early treatment can reduce severity.

The Risk of Local Transmission in the United States

The U.S. has experienced a handful of dengue cases in recent years, typically linked to travelers returning from endemic regions. In 2020, there were 42 confirmed cases, with none resulting in death. However, the presence of Aedes aegypti in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and other states raises the possibility of auto‑chthonous transmission—meaning the virus could spread locally without a new importation event.

“We’ve seen a handful of community cases in Florida,” notes Dr. Laura Kim, an epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health. “But so far, there’s no sustained local transmission. The key is to prevent new introductions.”

The CDC’s travel alert is thus a dual-purpose measure: to protect travelers from infection abroad and to warn public health officials of the potential for the virus to seed local outbreaks in the U.S.

Looking Ahead

Public health authorities worldwide are ramping up surveillance and mosquito‑control efforts. In Brazil, state governments have intensified larval‑control programs and launched community outreach campaigns. Meanwhile, the WHO and PAHO are coordinating regional strategies to reduce dengue incidence.

For U.S. residents, the best defense remains vigilance. Staying informed via reliable sources—such as the CDC’s Travel Health Notice page and the WHO’s Dengue Control updates—ensures that travelers can make smart choices about when, where, and how to travel.

Key Takeaway: While the threat of dengue is most acute in South America, the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the United States means that the virus could be introduced and potentially spread locally. By staying up‑to‑date on CDC travel alerts, using preventive measures, and seeking early medical care, travelers can minimize risk and help protect both themselves and their communities.