Dengue: Advice for travellers

Original publication date: September 8, 2022

Updated: November 25, 2025

Key points

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that can spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Symptoms can range from none or mild, to severe or even fatal illness. If you have had a previous dengue infection, you may be at higher risk of severe disease.
In Canada, there is no vaccine available to prevent dengue. A vaccine is available to travellers in some countries outside of Canada.
Travellers to areas with a risk of dengue should prevent mosquito bites at all times.

The destinations listed below are reporting higher than expected numbers of dengue cases: American Samoa, Bangladesh, Belize, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guyana, Kiribati, Mali, Mexico, Nauru, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Senegal, Sudan, Tuvalu, Vietnam.
Dengue risk can change from one area of a country to another, and it can also vary by season and depending on how high or low the land is compared to sea level (elevation).
Pay close attention to the dengue situation in your destination, including at the local level.

Before you leave

Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably about 6 weeks before your departure date to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
- A vaccine is available in some countries outside of Canada, including in Europe.
- If you will be travelling or living in an area where a vaccine is available, and have had a previous dengue infection, talk to your health care provider about whether vaccination is recommended for you.
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

While you’re away

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during the day and night. To protect yourself from bites:
- use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
- wear socks and closed-toe shoes
- sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed

Learn more:
Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

After your return

Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of dengue. Tell them where you’ve been travelling or living and about your activities while travelling.
- Fever and other symptoms of dengue can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests. One of these infections is malaria, so it's important to let your healthcare provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Learn more:
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area

About dengue

Dengue is caused by a virus that is spread to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms can range from none or mild, to severe or even fatal illness. If you’ve had a previous dengue infection, you may be at higher risk of severe dengue.
Infection with dengue can cause flu-like symptoms, including:
- sudden high-grade fever
- severe headache
- pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- rash
- nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of a more severe dengue infection include:
- persistent vomiting
- blood in vomit or stool
- severe abdominal pain
- feeling tired or restless
- difficulty breathing
- bruising and mild bleeding (such as from the gums or nose)
Treatment focuses on easing symptoms.
No vaccine or medication is available in Canada to prevent dengue.

Learn more:
Dengue fever: Symptoms

Information for health professionals

Other Resources