
Earlier than you journey, it’s at all times a good suggestion to assessment country-specific well being data supplied by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), in addition to journey security data supplied by the U.S. State Division.
These notices and journey advisories present necessary data to assist U.S. residents guard their well being and security whereas touring overseas — whether or not on a cruise or one other kind of journey.
Related: US changes travel threat level for controversial Caribbean port
Though vacationers usually focus extra consideration on destination-specific security and safety threats outlined in journey advisories, it’s necessary to think about journey well being notices, too.
The CDC just lately up to date a few of these notices, together with a significant warning for vacationers regarding outbreaks of dengue, a typical mosquito-borne illness that may have life-threatening well being penalties in some instances.
Greater than 13 million instances of dengue had been reported throughout the Americas and within the Caribbean in 2024, and dengue outbreaks in these areas proceed in 2025.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Dengue outbreaks are taking place in standard cruise locations
The CDC just lately up to date its journey well being discover about international dengue, warning vacationers that a variety of international locations around the globe proceed to report elevated numbers of instances of the intense illness.
In its discover, the CDC additionally explains that well being officers are seeing a regarding rise within the variety of dengue instances amongst U.S. vacationers getting back from sure international locations.
Dengue outbreaks are reported frequently in lots of standard vacationer locations, together with cruise ports, within the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Related: Royal Caribbean shares new health warning for cruise passengers
Particular international locations at present experiencing dengue outbreaks embody:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Cuba
- Ecuador, together with the Galápagos Islands
- Fiji
- French Polynesia, together with the island teams of Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora)
- Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka)
- Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu)
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Iran
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Philippines
- Saint Lucia
- Samoa
- Sudan, and
- Tonga.
Public well being officers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have additionally declared dengue outbreaks.
For those who’re taking a cruise to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Panama, or Saint Lucia, you have to be particularly cautious and take steps to guard your self from dengue.
What are you able to do to guard your self from dengue throughout a cruise?
Dengue is attributable to a virus that’s unfold by mosquito bites, so the CDC advises vacationers visiting threat areas to be diligent about stopping them. The CDC’s suggestions for mosquito chunk prevention embody:
- Use an Environmental Safety Company (EPA)-registered insect repellent
- Put on long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when open air
- Sleep in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens
For those who do get mosquito bites throughout a cruise or different journey to a vacation spot with a dengue threat, there are some things to know and key signs to look out for following your journey.
Dengue can take as much as two weeks to start, and sickness typically lasts lower than per week. Signs embody fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint ache, and minor bleeding.
For those who develop a fever or expertise different signs of dengue, you need to see a well being care supplier and inform them of your journey.
Related: CDC says throw this food out after salmonella sickens cruisers
In some instances, dengue can develop into extreme inside just a few hours, shortly turning right into a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization. Extreme dengue can result in hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (significantly low blood stress), organ failure, and even dying.
Even in the event you don’t get sick, in the event you’ve just lately visited a dengue threat space, you must also proceed defend your self from mosquito bites upon your return residence to cut back the possibility of spreading dengue.
The CDC advises that vacationers getting back from a vacation spot with a dengue threat ought to take steps to stop mosquito bites for 3 weeks in an effort to keep away from spreading dengue to mosquitoes that might unfold the virus to different individuals.
(The Enviornment Group will earn a fee in the event you e book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or electronic mail Amy Put up at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or name or textual content her at 386-383-2472.