Dengue Outbreaks Pose Significant Threats in the Pacific

While dengue virus outbreaks in the Caribbean have received a lot of attention, travelers visiting the Pacific Islands and Asia should also be vigilant.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka are reporting dengue outbreaks in 2024.

For example, Singapore's National Environment Agency reported over 5,000 dengue cases in the first quarter of 2024, more than double the 2,360 cases reported in the same period in 2023.

On April 18, 2024, the CDC reissued a Level 1—Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Advisory for the western Pacific area. Dengue can become severe within a few hours and is a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization.

Because infected mosquito bites spread dengue, all travelers to high-risk areas should prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or under an insecticide-treated bed net, says the CDC.

Furthermore, adults traveling to the areas should speak with a travel vaccine advisor about one month before departure regarding vaccination options.

As of April 25, 2024, there are two approved dengue vaccines and several conducting late-stage clinical research.