90 Countries Confirm Active Dengue Transmissions

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a Disease Outbreak News highlighting the global dengue fever outbreak in 2024.

On May 30, 2024, the WHO reported that 90 countries have known active dengue transmission. The WHO confirmed that over 7.6 million dengue cases, including over 16,000 severe cases and over 3,000 deaths, were reported in 2024.

While a substantial increase in dengue outbreaks has been reported globally in the last five years, this increase has been particularly pronounced in the Region of the Americas. By the end of April 2024, the number of cases had already exceeded seven million, surpassing the annual high of 4.6 million cases in 2023. 

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported 41 jurisdictions 1,611 dengue cases in 2024.

To help prevent the impact of this mosquito-transmitted disease, the WHO has Listed two dengue vaccines, which are available in certain specific requirements in various countries as of June 2, 2024.

Jeri Beales, MSN, RN with Destination Health Clinic in Massachusetts, reminds travelers, "Unfortunately, there is no dengue fever vaccine approved for U.S travelers, so the only prevention method is to avoid mosquito bites."

Beales informed Vax-Before-Travel travelers should "Pack a quality insect repellent and apply to your skin before going outdoors. A DEET product with 20-50% concentration works great for keeping mosquitoes away."

"Remember to put sunscreen on first, then the DEET repellant on second to skin not covered by clothing. To add an extra layer of protection, spray your clothing with another insect repellant called permethrin."

"By pre-treating clothing before your departure, you don't have to pack a large spray bottle, and most permethrin brands protect for up to 6 weeks even with washing."