Mosquito-Borne Diseases Now Among the Top Travel Health Risks for Americans, New Analysis Finds

As millions of Americans prepare for summer travel abroad, medical experts at wellness provider Drip Hydration have published a comprehensive analysis of the travel illnesses most likely to affect U.S. travelers. The data show a striking pattern: Four of the ten highest-ranked travel health risks identified in this analysis are mosquito-borne.

The analysis, based on CDC travel health guidance, GeoSentinel surveillance data, and U.S. public health records, identifies dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika as the mosquito-borne diseases of greatest concern to travelers this summer. With millions of Americans traveling abroad during peak vacation season, the findings come at a particularly relevant time.

Rising Mosquito-Borne Infections Pose a Growing but Preventable Risk for Travelers

Of the top ten travel health risks identified in the analysis, four are transmitted exclusively by mosquitoes.

• Dengue fever saw a record 3,798 U.S. cases in 2024, with 97% linked to international travel [1]. There is no specific antiviral treatment, making consistent repellent use throughout the day the most effective defense.
   
• Malaria causes approximately 2,000 U.S. cases per year, almost all acquired abroad, with sub-Saharan Africa representing the highest risk region [2]. The disease returned to domestic transmission in 2023 for the first time in 20 years, with locally acquired cases reported in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024 across several states.
   
• Chikungunya, like dengue, is spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes and causes severe joint pain that can persist for months. Cases are rising in the Caribbean and Latin America, and a vaccine has become available in some countries for eligible adult travelers to high-risk regions.
   
• Zika remains a particular concern for pregnant travelers due to the risk of serious birth defects. No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.

Table 1: Top 10 widespread travel health risks, with primary risk regions and key prevention measures.

Rank	Disease	Transmission / Exposure	Primary Risk Regions	Key Prevention
1	Travelers’ diarrhea	Contaminated food or water	Worldwide	Food and water hygiene, hand washing, oral rehydration salts
2	Malaria	Anopheles mosquito (dusk to dawn)	Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, Latin America	Prescription antimalarials, DEET or picaridin repellent, bed nets
3	Dengue	Aedes mosquito (daytime)	Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Asia	EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535), all-day use
4	Typhoid fever	Contaminated food or water	South Asia, parts of Africa, Latin America	Typhoid vaccine, food and water precautions
5	Measles	Airborne / respiratory droplets	Worldwide	MMR vaccination; verify status before travel
6	Hepatitis A	Contaminated food or water	Worldwide; highest risk in low- and middle-income destinations	Hepatitis A vaccine, food and water precautions
7	Chikungunya	Aedes mosquito (daytime)	Caribbean, Africa, Asia,parts of Europe	EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535), protective clothing; vaccine available
8	Zika	Aedes mosquito (daytime); sexual transmission possible	Latin America, Caribbean, parts of Africa and Asia	EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535); pregnant travelers should consult a physician before travel
9	Respiratory illness	Airborne / respiratory droplets	Worldwide	Routine vaccinations, avoid sick contacts
10	Skin infections	Skin contact with contaminated sand or soil; insect bites and environmental exposure	Caribbean, tropical beaches, rural/outdoor destinations	Wear footwear, use towels on sand, insect protection

Climate and Mosquito Expansion Might Reshape Risk Patterns

Public health and climate research increasingly suggest that environmental changes may be contributing to the expansion of mosquito habitats in North America. Warmer temperatures and longer warm seasons are associated with broader mosquito activity ranges and extended transmission periods for diseases such as dengue. Some projections suggest that mosquito seasons in parts of the U.S. could lengthen by up to two months by mid-century under continued warming trends.

While travel remains the primary driver of mosquito-borne disease importation into the United States, the distinction between “travel-acquired” and “locally acquired” infections is becoming increasingly less clear in certain regions.

Prevention Remains the Most Effective Strategy

Despite the severity of individual cases, all four mosquito-borne diseases in the top-ten list are preventable with appropriate precautions. The use of appropriate repellents remains the single most important behavioral measure, particularly for dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes that may be encountered throughout the day.

Dr. Neal Kumar, a board-certified dermatologist with an MBA in health management and co-founder of Drip Hydration, underscores the importance of understanding transmission routes before travel:

“Most travel-related illnesses are driven by a small number of familiar exposures, with mosquito-borne infections playing a central role alongside contaminated food and water. Use EPA-registered repellent consistently and throughout the day, combine this with protective clothing and screened environments where possible, and see a travel medicine provider before any trip to a high-risk region.”

I have personally been using Sawyer Deet for decades, and I highly recommend it. As a result, I have seldom received mosquito bites in malaria or dengue fever zones. I also sometimes spray my clothes with Permethrin.

The complete analysis, including a full ranking of the top ten travel health risks, regional risk breakdowns, and detailed prevention guidance, is available at: https://driphydration.com/unwanted-souvenirs-travel-illnesses-americans-are-most-likely-to-bring-home-this-summer/

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7518a1.htm

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquitoes-in-the-united-states.html

Drip Hydration is a leading wellness provider that delivers in-home and on-demand health services, including IV hydration therapy, vitamin drips, and wellness treatments. By bringing cutting-edge therapies directly to clients’ homes, offices, or events, Drip Hydration provides a convenient, personalized way to improve hydration, boost energy, enhance recovery, and support overall wellness. With a commitment to customer care, health, and convenience, Drip Hydration serves communities nationwide, offering tailored solutions designed to meet individual needs.