Dengue Outbreak Reaches Massachusetts

When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Health Advisory (CDCHAN-00511) on June 25, 2024, it indicated that dengue fever posed a health risk in southeast Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico.

However, according to new CDC data, Massachusetts has reported 50 dengue cases this year.

While the CDC did not disclose whether these dengue cases were locally acquired, it can be assumed that they are travel-related since the mosquitoes that spread dengue are not found that far north in the United States.

However, countries in the Region of the Americas have reported a record-breaking number of dengue cases, exceeding the highest number ever recorded in a single year. 

From a local guidance perspective, the Massachusetts Health Department (MDH) says there is no vaccine (Dengvaxia is no longer available in the U.S.); the best way to protect yourself is to not get bitten by mosquitoes.

MDH's website states if you have recently traveled to a region where mosquito-borne diseases are common and have any related symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider immediately and explain your travel history and symptoms.