CDC Update: Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus & Updated Testing Recommendations

POSTED: March 21st, 2025
POSTED IN: EM Pulse Q1 2025,

The CDC has issued a new Health Alert Network (HAN) update regarding the continued risk of dengue virus (DENV) infections and updated testing guidance.

Key points include:

• Dengue activity remains elevated in parts of the U.S. (notably Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and globally, especially in the Americas region.
• Increased risk of travel-associated and locally acquired dengue cases is expected with spring and summer travel.
• CDC now recommends using the DENV-1-4 RT-PCR assay when dengue is the most likely diagnosis.
• New tools and guidance are available for healthcare and public health professionals, including a job aid for reviewing medical records and recommendations for investigating dengue cases in non-endemic areas.
• Healthcare providers are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially when treating febrile patients with recent travel to affected areas, and follow the updated testing recommendations.