Dengue fever cases in southern India have already more than doubled in 2017. Dengue cases typically increase each year following the start of the monsoon seasons, which varies by region. U.S. Citizens in India should take appropriate precautions to avoid contracting dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti (“Tiger”) mosquito. Dengue is endemic in all major cities in India, and Aedes Aegypti is commonly found in urban areas. Persons travelling to or residing in India can reduce the risk of mosquito bites through preventive measures such as wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellent, and through environmental controls, including reducing the presence of standing water and installing window screens where possible.
Dengue causes flu-like symptoms including high fever, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Symptoms typically last for two to seven days, after an incubation period of four to 10 days. Because dengue is caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic treatment for the disease. Symptoms are treated with fluids and pain relievers. In rare cases, ordinary dengue can become Severe Dengue or Hemorrhagic Dengue fever, which is potentially life threatening, especially for small children, the elderly, persons with preexisting conditions, and persons who have previously been infected with dengue.
If you experience fever or other worrisome symptoms or have any questions or concerns about your personal exposure or risk of contracting the dengue virus, please contact your doctor.
Please see these additional resources for up-to-date information on dengue:
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel websitefor the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and India Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- at https://in.usembassy.gov.The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051; telephone +91-22-2672-4000; fax +91-22-2672-4786.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006; telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.
