New Jersey Travelers, Beware: CDC Warns of Rising Dengue Risk

New Jersey travelers, if you’re planning a tropical getaway or heading abroad for some sunshine, there’s something new to keep on your radar, and it’s not your passport or packing list.

Health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are warning travelers about an increase in cases of dengue fever, sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever,” in people returning from countries like Vietnam, Cuba, and Colombia, according to people.com.

So what exactly is dengue, and why should New Jersey travelers pay attention?

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral illness spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, according to the CDC. Unlike the typical mosquito bites we deal with during a Jersey summer, these mosquitoes can carry a virus that leads to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening complications.

Once bitten, symptoms don’t usually appear right away. The virus can take up to two weeks to develop, though most people who get sick start feeling symptoms within a few days, according to the CDC. The illness itself often lasts less than a week, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to brush off.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Dengue isn’t your average bug bite reaction. Symptoms can include:

• High fever
• Severe headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Muscle and joint pain (hence the nickname “breakbone fever”)
• Minor bleeding, like nose or gum bleeding

About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue will actually feel sick. For some, symptoms are mild, but others can experience much more serious effects.

Why This Matters for New Jersey Travelers

With international travel back in full swing, more people from New Jersey are heading to destinations where dengue is more common. That increases the chances of bringing the illness back home.

While dengue isn’t typically spread person-to-person, infected travelers can still impact public health, especially during warmer months when mosquitoes are active here in the U.S.

How to Protect Yourself While Traveling

The good news? Prevention is very doable. If you’re heading to a dengue-prone area:

• Use insect repellent with DEET or similar protection
• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
• Stay in places with screens or air conditioning
• Avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed

The Bottom Line

Dengue might not be something you hear about every day in New Jersey, but for travelers, it’s becoming harder to ignore. Being aware of the risks, and taking a few simple precautions, can make all the difference between a great vacation and a serious health scare.

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If you’ve recently traveled and start feeling symptoms, don’t wait it out. Check in with a healthcare provider and mention where you’ve been. It’s always better to be safe, especially when it comes to something like dengue.