Overview
- Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The species of mosquitoes that spread dengue also spread Zika, chikungunya, and other viruses.
- Almost half of the world’s population live in areas with a risk of dengue. Dengue is often a common cause of illness in areas where it occurs. Dengue outbreaks occur in many countries in the world, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands.
- Dengue is caused by one of four related viruses: dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. A person can be infected with dengue multiple times in their life.
- The symptoms of dengue commonly include fever, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and body aches and pain. Most people recover after about a week. Some people go on to develop severe dengue that can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and death.
- Each year, up to 400 million people are infected by a dengue virus. Of those people, about 100 million people get sick from the infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue.
- Severe dengue is more likely to occur if someone has had dengue infection in the past. Infants and pregnant people are also at higher risk for developing severe dengue.
- A dengue vaccine is recommended by CDC for U.S. children age 9 to 16 years with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue virus infection who live in areas where dengue is common. These areas include Puerto Rico and some other U.S. territories and freely associated states.
- Dengue vaccine is not recommended for travelers who are visiting an area where dengue is common. Travelers to areas where dengue is common should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Dengue Vaccine Schedule
Dengue vaccine is recommended only for children ages 9–16 who live in areas where dengue is endemic (common) and who have laboratory confirmation of previous dengue infection. Endemic areas include Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The vaccine is a 3-dose series, with doses administered 6 months apart.
Partner Resources
Dengue
Find resources about dengue infection, travel, and dengue vaccine.
For Parents: A Safe and Effective Vaccine to Prevent Dengue is Available
Find resources and fact sheets about dengue vaccine and pre-vaccination testing for families with children who live in areas where dengue vaccine is recommended.
Travelers’ Health: Dengue
Visit this site for more information about dengue for travelers.