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CDC HAN: Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States

The Health Alert Network (HAN) is the CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. Public Health – Seattle & King County shares select HAN alerts to raise awareness and provide guidance on how to report suspected or confirmed cases.

July 25, 2024
Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States

Actions requested

  • Be aware of a global Increase in dengue fever cases and maintain high suspicion for dengue among patients with fever and recent travel (within 14 days prior to illness onset) to areas with risk of dengue transmission and continuous dengue transmission.
  • Identify: Recognize clinical features of dengue, including the febrile phase, critical phase, and convalescent phase.
    • Monitor for warning signs of progression to severe dengue, including abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, clinical fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, lethargy or restlessness, and liver enlargement.
  • Manage: Follow CDC/WHO protocols of case management (PDF) for patients with dengue.
    • During the critical phase, some patients require close monitoring and may deteriorate within hours without appropriate IV fluid management.
  • Test: Order appropriate testing:
    • Within 1 week of illness: order PCR or dengue virus antigen tests AND serology (IgM and IgG) for dengue and for any other likely conditions.
    • After 1 week of illness: order serology (IgM and IgG) for dengue and any other likely conditions. IgM antibodies can remain detectable for 3 months or longer after infection.
    • If patient is hospitalized with encephalopathy or aseptic meningitis: also order PCR on CSF.
  • Educate: Inform patients about the following:
    • Recommend they avoid NSAIDs if dengue is suspected or confirmed.
    • Teach the warning signs of severe illness and when to seek care immediately.
    • Provide pre-travel consultation and recommend prevention measures to avoid mosquito bites if the person is traveling to an area at risk for dengue, including use of an EPA-registered insect repellant.
  • Notify: Report cases of dengue within 3 days of diagnosis to Public Health at 206-296-4774.

Other resources:

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