Dengue: Symptoms, Treatment & Vaccine Guide

← Diseases beginning with D
Mosquito-borne disease

Dengue

A viral infection spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes.

CauseDengue is caused by any of four related dengue viruses and spreads mainly through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. It does not usually spread directly from person to person.
SymptomsFever with headache, eye pain, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or rash.
Typical durationSymptoms typically last two to seven days; warning signs can appear as the fever falls.
Vaccine statusMosquito-borne disease

What causes Dengue?

Dengue is caused by any of four related dengue viruses and spreads mainly through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. It does not usually spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms and what to notice

Fever with headache, eye pain, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or rash.

How long can it last?

Symptoms typically last two to seven days; warning signs can appear as the fever falls.

How serious is Dengue?

Severe dengue can cause shock, internal bleeding, organ damage, and death. Warning signs need urgent care.

Treatment and management

No specific antiviral treatment. Fluids and monitoring are important; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out.

Vaccine name, eligibility, doses, and cost

Former U.S. product: Dengvaxia, a three-dose vaccine that had narrow eligibility for some children with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection in endemic U.S. areas. U.S. distribution ended and remaining doses expired in August 2026; no dengue vaccine is currently available in the United States.

Approximate U.S. cost: No current U.S. patient price applies because dengue vaccine is not available in the United States as of September 2026.

Official U.S. guidance

Read the current CDC guidance for Dengue →

Understanding prices: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price context.

Health note: This page gives general U.S. educational information. Vaccine choice and timing depend on age, medical history, previous doses, pregnancy, travel, exposure, and current public-health guidance. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.