Tue May 13 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Dengue Fever Outbreak Prompts Travel Warning for Fiji and Other Tropical Destinations

**Suva, Fiji/Atlanta, GA** – Travelers planning summer vacations to Fiji and other tropical locations are urged to take precautions against dengue fever, as a significant outbreak is sweeping the Western Pacific and beyond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 travel health alert, advising travelers to practice usual precautions, while Fiji’s government is on high alert due to a sharp increase in cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness, affects hundreds of millions globally each year. In Fiji, over 1,000 cases were reported in the Central Division alone between January and late March – exceeding levels from the same period last year. The World Mosquito Program has even declared 2024 the “worst year for dengue on record.”

Dengue fever symptoms range from mild (high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, rash) to severe (dengue hemorrhagic fever), which can include bleeding, breathing difficulties, and intense abdominal pain. While there’s no cure, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage milder symptoms.

The CDC is urging travelers to protect themselves by using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms. The agency has also flagged other dengue fever hotspots, including Brazil, Colombia, and the Philippines, all reporting increased cases among returning American travelers.

Experts warn that climate change, with its increased rainfall and flooding, creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exacerbating the spread of dengue fever and other vector-borne illnesses. The Fijian government stresses that continued greenhouse gas emissions will only worsen the problem. Travelers are advised to consult their healthcare providers and the CDC website for the latest information and recommendations before traveling to affected areas.

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