Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations: CDC

New York Post - Mar 25th, 2025

As spring break travelers head to warmer climates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network advisory due to a rise in global dengue fever cases. The CDC highlights increased dengue transmission in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With the onset of peak travel season coinciding with dengue's peak season, there is an elevated risk of travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States. The advisory urges travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. Many countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines, have reported an increase in dengue cases among returning American travelers.

Dengue fever, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent in regions like the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In 2024, over 13 million cases were reported in the Americas and the Caribbean, with local outbreaks in U.S. states like California, Texas, and Florida. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, joint pain, and rash, with no specific medication available for treatment. The CDC recommends rest, hydration, and medical consultation for infected individuals. A vaccine is available for certain U.S. children who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in high-risk areas.

Cdc Global Health Spring Break Dengue Fever Health Alert Mosquito Travel Advisory

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and largely accurate overview of the dengue fever situation, particularly relevant to travelers during the spring break season. It effectively communicates the risks and preventive measures recommended by the CDC, contributing to public awareness. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and methodology, as well as more diverse perspectives to enhance balance and engagement. The reliance on authoritative sources like the CDC lends credibility, but additional context from local health authorities or international organizations would provide a more comprehensive picture. Overall, the article serves as a useful resource for informing the public about dengue fever risks and precautions, though its impact could be strengthened with broader source inclusion and more detailed data verification.

Accuracy

The article provides a largely accurate depiction of the dengue fever situation as reported by the CDC. It correctly states that dengue fever cases are on the rise globally and highlights the CDC's Health Alert Network advisory. The mention of specific regions like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands aligns with CDC communications. However, while the article states that over 13 million cases were reported in the Americas in 2024, it would benefit from additional verification of these figures, as well as the exact numbers of cases in specific regions. Additionally, the article accurately describes symptoms and prevention measures but could further substantiate the claim about the vaccine's availability and target demographic.

Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by focusing on the public health implications of dengue fever without veering into alarmism. It presents both the risks associated with the disease and practical preventive measures, offering a comprehensive view of the situation. However, the article could enhance balance by including perspectives from affected regions or expert opinions beyond those of the CDC and Dr. Mark Fischer. Inclusion of local health authorities' viewpoints or testimonials from travelers could provide a more rounded narrative.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the key points about the dengue fever risk, symptoms, and preventive measures. The language is straightforward, and the information is logically presented, making it accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of practical advice on prevention adds to the article's clarity and usefulness. However, a more detailed explanation of the CDC's level 1 health alert could enhance understanding.

Source quality

The primary source cited is the CDC, which is a credible and authoritative entity on public health matters, lending significant reliability to the article. The inclusion of Dr. Mark Fischer, a medical director, adds further credibility. However, the article could improve by citing additional sources, such as local health departments or international health organizations, to provide a broader context and enhance the robustness of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about the CDC's advisory and the general risks of dengue fever, but it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology used to gather specific data, such as the reported number of cases. While it mentions a CDC advisory, the article does not provide direct links to the original sources or detailed explanations of the data collection methods, making it harder for readers to verify the claims independently.