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CDC warns spring and summer travelers about rising dengue fever risk

Cases have been on the rise over the past year

By Amanda Teague Mar 21, 2025 5:52 AM

Puerto Rico sea view — amyirizarry02 / Pixabay

As spring and summer travel season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing a warning to travelers about the rising risk of dengue fever. Cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been on the rise among U.S. travelers and are expected to climb in 2024 and 2025. The virus, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is causing a surge of infections, with over 13 million cases reported across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean this year alone.

Dengue transmission remains high in the Americas, including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Spring and summer travel coincides with the peak season for dengue in many regions, making travelers particularly vulnerable to both travel-associated and locally acquired cases. With warmer months facilitating the spread of the virus, the CDC is advising increased caution when visiting areas with known outbreaks.

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Preventing dengue

Clear ocean in US Virgin Islands — Candice Brown / Unsplash

The CDC advises travelers to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, as this is the primary way dengue fever is transmitted. Travelers to areas with high dengue activity should use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved insect repellents both during their trip and after returning home. Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants can also help protect exposed skin.

To further reduce the risk of mosquito bites indoors, using air conditioning or ensuring that windows are screened is recommended.

It’s important to note that dengue is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. However, if you experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, or a rash, and have recently traveled to or live in an area with known outbreaks, seek medical care promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

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Destinations

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.

Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.

5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way

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Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.