Record Dengue Cases Reported in the U.S. in 2024, Driven by Travel-Associated Infections
The United States experienced a significant surge in dengue cases in 2024, with a 359% increase compared to the annual average from 2010 to 2023, according to the CDC. A total of 3,798 cases were reported, with 97.2% being travel-associated. The rise aligns with a global increase in dengue cases, particularly in the Americas, where 13 million cases were recorded. Locally acquired cases were reported in Florida, California, and Texas, indicating multiple introduction events rather than widespread transmission. The presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue, poses an ongoing risk in many U.S. counties. The CDC highlights that climate conditions in three-quarters of the U.S. are suitable for these mosquito species, and rising temperatures may further expand their range. Hispanic travelers were disproportionately affected, likely due to travel patterns to dengue-endemic regions in Latin America and the Caribbean. 
