Dengue Fever

352 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~420. All cases in NYS are travel-associated; no local mosquito transmission.

What is it?

Dengue fever is caused by four dengue virus serotypes and transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. NYS had 352 cases in 2024, all travel-associated. Global dengue incidence has increased dramatically, making it the world's fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease. There is no local transmission in New York State.

How it spreads

Transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which typically bite during daytime hours. Not spread person-to-person. A person infected with one dengue serotype can be infected again by a different serotype — repeat infection increases the risk of severe disease.

Symptoms

High fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain (historically called "breakbone fever"), rash, and mild bleeding. Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause plasma leaking, severe bleeding, and shock.

Who is at risk?

Travelers to tropical and subtropical regions, especially Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Prior dengue infection with a different serotype increases risk of severe disease.

What you can do

Vaccine information

Dengvaxia vaccine is FDA-approved for children aged 9–16 who have had a confirmed prior dengue infection and live in endemic areas. It is not recommended for travelers who have never had dengue.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.