Dengue in Texas What Texans Need to Know Right Now

A calm practical guide to symptoms warning signs higher risk areas and simple steps that cut bites fast.

Dengue in Texas is real but most Texans can lower risk with smart bite protection and quick action if symptoms show up. Know the typical fever aches and rash. Watch for warning signs after fever drops like belly pain vomiting or bleeding. Use EPA registered repellent dump standing water weekly and keep screens tight.

Why dengue is being talked about in Texas

The first time I heard a neighbor in Texas say the word dengue out loud, it was in that half joking half worried way people talk about hurricanes. Like, is this really a thing here now.

Yes, it can be.

Texas health officials reported a locally acquired dengue case in Cameron County in 2024. They also reported a big jump in travel associated cases that year and described it as the highest annual case count in Texas since 2002.

The CDC also listed Texas among the places where local dengue transmission was reported in 2024.

Here is the calm truth. Most dengue infections Texans hear about are linked to travel. Local spread can still happen when the right mosquitoes are active and someone with dengue is bitten.

If that sounds scary, I want you to breathe for a second. This is not about panic. This is about having a simple plan, the same way we plan for storms.

What dengue feels like in real life

Dengue can look a lot like other viral illnesses at first. That is part of what makes it stressful. You might think it is flu. You might think it is a random summer virus. Or you might think it is allergies plus a headache.

Texas health guidance says about 1 in 4 infected people develop symptoms. So yes, some people never feel sick. But when symptoms happen, these are the usual ones described by public health agencies.

Common symptoms you might notice

• Sudden fever
• Headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash

Symptoms often last a few days up to about a week for many people. Most people recover. Some people get very sick and need medical care.

A personal note from my own mosquito nerd life. The people who feel the most anxious are usually the ones who do not have a plan. So let us build you a plan you can use today.

Warning signs that mean get help fast

This is the most important section to read slowly.

Severe dengue is a medical emergency. And the tricky part is that warning signs often show up after the fever goes away. That is when some families relax and stop watching closely.

I say it like this in my house.

Fever down does not always mean danger down.

Go get medical care right away if warning signs show up

If you or a family member has dengue symptoms and then develops warning signs like these, go to urgent care or the emergency room right away.

• Belly pain or tenderness
• Vomiting at least 3 times in 24 hours
• Bleeding from nose or gums
• Vomiting blood or blood in stool
• Feeling extremely tired restless or irritable

If you have a child who seems unusually sleepy, unusually cranky, or cannot keep fluids down, trust your gut and get help.

How dengue spreads and why daytime bites matter

Dengue spreads through mosquito bites. In Texas, the main mosquito suspects are Aedes mosquitoes.

These mosquitoes are sneaky because they often breed in small containers around homes. Public health guidance explains that Aedes females lay eggs on the inner walls of containers that hold water. That includes the tiny forgotten stuff like a toy bucket or a clogged gutter corner.

Texas health guidance also reminds Texans that Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, with activity often in early morning and late afternoon. That means your protection plan cannot be only a dusk plan.

Here is another fact that helps you protect others.

If you have dengue, the virus can be in your blood during the first week of illness. A mosquito that bites you can pick it up and then bite someone else. So preventing bites while sick protects your family and your neighbors too.

Where risk can be higher in Texas

Texas is huge, so dengue risk is not the same everywhere.

Based on Texas reporting and how Aedes mosquitoes live, risk can be higher when these pieces stack up.

• Warm humid weather with active mosquitoes
• Lots of small water containers around homes
• People traveling to places where dengue is common
• Dense neighborhoods where Aedes like to live close to people

Texas health reporting has described locally acquired cases since 2013 in these counties.

• Cameron
• Hidalgo
• Starr
• Val Verde
• Webb
• Willacy

Texas health updates have also noted sporadic outbreaks in the Gulf coastal area and extreme south Texas.

Travel associated cases can show up far beyond the border region. Texas also publishes weekly arbovirus activity updates that list reports across multiple counties and note that cases are imported unless otherwise noted. Those weekly numbers can change and are considered preliminary, but they are a useful signal that dengue travel exposure reaches many parts of Texas.

My practical takeaway for you is simple.

If you live anywhere in Texas and you have Aedes mosquitoes in your area, it is worth taking dengue prevention seriously during mosquito season, especially if your household travels.

If you think you have dengue

If you get a fever and dengue feels possible, here is the calm checklist I want you to follow.

Step 1 call a healthcare provider and mention travel and mosquito exposure

Public health guidance recommends seeing a healthcare provider if you develop fever or dengue symptoms and sharing recent travel. If you did not travel, you can still mention heavy mosquito exposure or if neighbors have been sick.

If you have access to telehealth, it can be a quick first step. If you have warning signs, skip telehealth and go in.

Step 2 hydrate and rest early

Dengue is one of those illnesses where hydration can really matter. Sip water throughout the day. Oral rehydration drinks can help if you are sweating a lot or vomiting.

Rest like you mean it. I know that is hard for Texans who like to push through. This is one of those times where rest is part of the treatment.

Step 3 choose fever medicine carefully

Use acetaminophen for fever and pain unless your clinician tells you otherwise.

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if dengue is possible because public health guidance warns these can increase bleeding risk.

If you are unsure what you took, check the label and call your pharmacist. That is not overreacting. That is smart.

Step 4 prevent mosquito bites while you are sick

This part is easy to skip, but it matters.

If dengue is possible, do your best to avoid being bitten during the first week of illness. Stay in screened or air conditioned rooms. Use repellent when you must be outside. Wear long sleeves when you can.

This is not only about you. It is one of the simplest ways to reduce the chance of local spread.

The simplest home plan that cuts bites fast

When I help friends set up a mosquito plan, I keep it boring on purpose. Boring is repeatable. Repeatable is effective.

Here is my weekend ready plan for Texas families.

Do a weekly 10 minute water sweep

Aedes mosquitoes love small containers. Walk your yard and dump water from things like these.

• Buckets and toys
• Pet water bowls when not in use
• Plant saucers
• Tarps and low spots
• Clogged gutters
• Trash can lids
• Outdoor chairs that hold rainwater

If you have containers you must keep outdoors, scrub the inside and refill often. Public health guidance explains that Aedes eggs can stick to container walls.

I do this sweep the day before trash pickup, because it makes it easier to toss junk that is collecting water.

Tighten your home barrier

If mosquitoes are getting into your home, you are fighting uphill.

• Repair window and door screens
• Use air conditioning when you can
• Keep doors closed so mosquitoes do not wander inside
• Check weather stripping around doors

If you have kids, make it a game. My favorite is mosquito detective. Find the tear. Patch it.

Use repellent you trust

When dengue is a concern, I want you using something proven.

Public health guidance from the CDC and EPA points people toward EPA registered repellents. Common active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or PMD.

I know some people prefer natural options. My gentle advice is to prioritize what is proven when dengue is on the list. EPA registered products have been evaluated for effectiveness and safety when used as directed.

A practical habit that helps is putting repellent where you will actually use it.

I keep one by the shoes near the door and one in the car.

Treat clothing for extra protection

If you spend time outside during peak mosquito activity, consider permethrin treated clothing and gear. Public health guidance notes permethrin is for clothing and gear, not skin.

This is especially helpful for yard work, dog walks, fishing, and youth sports practices.

My three today steps

• Dump standing water
• Put repellent by the door
• Save the dengue warning signs on your phone

A quick family case story you can copy

Let me paint a super common Texas scenario.

A family flies home from a tropical vacation. Two days later, Dad gets a fever and body aches. He thinks it is travel fatigue and keeps working in the yard in shorts.

In dengue season, I would do three things differently.

First, call the doctor and mention travel. Second, use acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out. Third, protect Dad from mosquito bites for the first week of illness, because that helps reduce the chance of local spread.

That is the pattern I want you to remember.

Care early. Meds carefully. Bites never.

What about a dengue vaccine for Texans

This question comes up a lot.

As of mid 2025, CDC guidance notes that dengue vaccines are not currently available in the United States for general use. That means prevention still leans heavily on mosquito bite protection and home mosquito control.

So if you were hoping for a simple shot and done solution, I get it. I wish it was that simple too. But the good news is that the prevention steps we do for dengue also help with other mosquito problems Texans deal with.

Dengue in Texas can sound scary, but your next steps can be simple.

If you do one thing today, do a water sweep. If you do a second thing, put proven repellent where you will actually use it.

And if anyone in your home gets fever after travel or during heavy mosquito activity, keep dengue on the list and watch closely when the fever goes away.

You do not need perfect control to reduce risk.

You just need a few habits that stick.

Key Facts

• Texas reported a locally acquired dengue case in Cameron County in 2024.
• Texas also reported a sharp increase in travel associated dengue cases in 2024.
• Dengue spreads mainly through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes.
• Aedes mosquitoes can bite during the day, not only at dusk.
• About 1 in 4 infected people develop symptoms.
• Warning signs often begin after the fever goes away.
• Severe warning signs include belly pain repeated vomiting bleeding and extreme tiredness.
• Use acetaminophen for fever and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if dengue is possible.
• Dump standing water weekly because Aedes lay eggs in containers.
• If you are sick, prevent mosquito bites during the first week of illness to help reduce spread.

FAQ

Is dengue in Texas common

Most Texas dengue cases are linked to travel, but local transmission has been reported. Risk is usually higher when Aedes mosquitoes are active and travel cases are coming in.

What are the first symptoms of dengue

Often it starts with fever plus headache body aches pain behind the eyes nausea or rash. It can look like other viral illnesses at first.

When should I go to the ER for dengue

Go right away if warning signs show up, especially after the fever goes away. Belly pain repeated vomiting bleeding or extreme tiredness are big red flags.

Can dengue spread from person to person

Usually no. It spreads through mosquito bites. Rare blood related transmission can occur, but the practical focus for families is preventing mosquito bites.

What medicine is safe if dengue is possible

Public health guidance recommends acetaminophen for fever and pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding risk.

How do I protect my family at home

Dump standing water weekly, repair screens, use air conditioning when possible, and use EPA registered repellent. Aedes mosquitoes often breed in small containers around homes.

If I am sick, how do I avoid spreading dengue locally

Prevent mosquito bites during the first week of illness. Use repellent and stay in screened or air conditioned spaces so mosquitoes cannot bite you and carry the virus onward.