Mosquitoes and dengue fever: How is dengue transmitted?

Quick overview

• Dengue is spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes
• It is one of the world's most common mosquito-borne diseases
• Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain
• No specific antiviral treatment exists
• Mosquito control is the best line of defense

Dengue fever is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne viral illnesses in the world. While it's most common in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding how it spreads—and what you can do to reduce your exposure—is useful for anyone traveling abroad.

How does dengue fever spread?

Dengue spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito feeds on a person who already has the dengue virus in their blood, it picks up the virus. After an incubation period inside the mosquito, it can then pass the virus on to the next person it bites.

Dengue fever does not spread directly from person to person. You can't catch it through touch, coughing, or sharing food. The mosquito is the essential link in the chain. Without it, the virus can't spread. This is why controlling mosquito populations is so important.

Which mosquito causes dengue fever?

Not all mosquitoes carry the dengue virus. The primary culprit is Aedes aegypti, a species well-adapted to living alongside humans. A secondary vector, Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito), can also transmit the virus, though it plays a smaller role.

What makes Aedes aegypti particularly tricky is its behavior. Unlike many mosquitoes that bite at dawn or dusk, this species is most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. It thrives in urban environments, breeding in small amounts of standing water: flower pots, buckets, clogged gutters, and even bottle caps. Learn how to identify the signs of mosquitoes around your property.

Where is dengue fever found?

Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries, primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa. For most people in the continental U.S., the risk of contracting dengue at home is low, but it's not zero.

Localized outbreaks have occurred in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, typically linked to travel or local Aedes mosquito populations. According to the CDC, while local spread is possible, most dengue cases reported in the U.S. are in travelers returning from affected regions. If you're planning international travel, it's worth checking current health advisories before you go.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people recover from dengue fever within a week or two. Not all people infected with dengue will show symptoms. When they do occur, dengue symptoms can range from a high fever and flu-like symptoms to the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can cause bleeding and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

The clinic recommends that if you suspect you might have contracted dengue fever after recent travel you should consult a healthcare professional.

How to reduce your risk of mosquitoes and dengue

The most direct way to reduce your risk of catching dengue fever from mosquito bites is to reduce the mosquito population around your property and increase personal protection.

Personal protection:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak biting hours
• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you're traveling to a high-risk area

Around your property:

While the risk of contracting dengue in the U.S. is very low, these steps can help you reduce the general risk of mosquitoes.

• Remove standing water from flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and any containers that collect rainwater; Aedes mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water
• Keep vegetation trimmed, as mosquitoes rest in shaded, leafy areas
• Check for and fix any leaks or drainage issues around your home

For more reliable, longer-lasting results, professional mosquito treatments are the better option. Our technicians inspect your property, identify breeding sites, and apply targeted treatments to help reduce mosquito populations at the source. Whether you need a one-time service or ongoing seasonal protection, we can build a plan that works for you.