What is Breakbone fever & How Can It Effect You

Dengue fever cases are drawing increased attention across the United States as health officials report more infections linked to international travel and occasional local mosquito transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most U.S. cases still occur in travelers returning from countries where dengue is common, but locally acquired infections have also been documented in states including California, Florida, and Texas. In early 2026, hundreds of cases had already been reported nationwide, prompting renewed travel alerts and mosquito-control warnings.

Dengue is a viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which thrive in warm and humid environments. Symptoms usually begin within a few days of a mosquito bite and often include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, rash, and fatigue. Because the pain can be intense, dengue is sometimes called “breakbone fever.” While many people recover within a week, severe dengue can develop quickly and become life-threatening, especially for people who have had dengue before.

Health experts say one reason cases are rising is the growing overlap between global outbreaks and warmer conditions that allow mosquito populations to expand farther north. Increased travel to tropical regions also raises the chance that infected travelers return while still carrying the virus, creating opportunities for local mosquitoes to spread it further. Although widespread outbreaks remain uncommon in the continental U.S., public health agencies warn that small clusters can occur when infected mosquitoes are present.

The best protection against dengue is preventing mosquito bites. People should use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and keep windows and doors screened. Emptying standing water from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters is also important because mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water. Travelers visiting high-risk countries should be especially careful during daytime hours, when dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active.

Doctors also recommend paying attention to symptoms after travel or mosquito exposure. Anyone who develops fever, rash, or severe body aches should seek medical advice quickly, especially if symptoms worsen with vomiting, stomach pain, or bleeding. Early diagnosis helps doctors monitor for complications and prevent severe illness. As dengue cases continue to rise, prevention at home and while traveling remains the strongest defense.