The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about dengue fever spanning more than 15 countries, accompanied by a Level 1 alert titled Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions published on Monday as travelers head into the spring travel season.

This alert underscores that dengue is a year round risk in many parts of the world and outbreaks occur with surprising regularity, typically every two to five years.

Some destinations are reporting rising numbers of cases, prompting authorities to urge vigilance even in places where the disease has long been a concern.

The announcement arrives as Americans resume travel for spring break, with destinations such as the Maldives and the Cook Islands among those highlighted in the warning, signaling travelers to prepare accordingly before and after their journeys.

Dengue fever is a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and it commonly produces aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and rashes.

The illness is most often detected in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, including many Caribbean destinations.

Typical symptoms of dengue include aches and pains in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones, along with nausea, vomiting and rash, usually appearing within about two weeks of a bite, according to the CDC. Most people recover after a period ranging from two to seven days once symptoms begin.

It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death, Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, noted in discussing the disease.

This warning highlights that while many cases are manageable at home, serious dengue can require urgent medical attention.

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue. Infected individuals are advised to rest, use acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or persist, a basic but essential directive for anyone returning from affected regions.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in areas where the infection is common. This option provides an additional layer of protection for a subset of travelers and residents who face ongoing exposure.

Travelers returning from dengue endemic areas are urged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after their trip.

If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers are advised to seek medical evaluation promptly to rule out infection and prevent complications.

Experts also recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, including buckets, water-catching plants, small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside, to disrupt the life cycle of the pests.

Fischer added that wearing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil remains the most effective way to deter mosquitoes and other biting insects, thereby reducing the risk of transmission during time outdoors or in areas with higher mosquito activity.

Those living in regions with mosquito populations should consider long sleeves and long pants, particularly at dusk and in the evening when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid exposed skin becoming a target for bites.

Keeping window and door screens intact is another practical measure to prevent insects from entering indoor spaces and potentially spreading disease, a point repeatedly emphasized by health authorities.

If you reside in an area with a high level of mosquito borne diseases, using mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminating any standing water around the home are prudent steps, since still water serves as a breeding ground for vectors that transmit dengue.