Parent holding their child close against their chest, conveying the impact dengue can have on children and families.
Parent holding their child close against their chest, conveying the impact dengue can have on children and families.

Excuses won’t protect you from dengue

 

Discuss prevention measures with your doctor, including vaccination where available
 

World Dengue Day, 15 June 2026: The reality behind the excuse

We all tell ourselves things that make a dengue infection feel more unlikely.

This World Dengue Day, explore some common, but false, assumptions and the evidence behind them.

  • Illustration challenging the belief that being young and healthy reduces the risk of dengue.

    The facts say otherwise.

    Dengue infection has been documented across all age groups. While severity can vary, young and otherwise healthy people can still become infected and experience serious illness.1 

    Check your risk
     

    1. García-Rivera EJ, Rigau-Pérez JG. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2003;13(6):362–368.

    Tap to flip
  • Illustration challenging the belief that some people are not affected by mosquito bites.

    That's a myth.

    While mosquitoes may be more attracted to certain people based on body heat, breathing, or skin scent, that does not mean anyone is off the menu. Female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs - and any person in a dengue-risk area can be bitten.2-4

    Mosquitoes and the tools they use to bite us
     

    2. Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB. Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021;1:100058.
    3. Zhou G, et al. J Insect Physiol. 2007; 53(11): 1169–1178.
    4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Areas with Risk of Dengue. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areas-with-risk/index.html. Accessed February 2026.

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  • Image showing dengue risk expanding into new regions previously considered low risk.

    The truth?

    Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and longer warm seasons are allowing dengue to spread into regions that were once considered low risk.5

    See where dengue is spreading
     

    5. Abbasi E. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2025;65:102841.

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  • Visual representing the misconception that dengue is always a mild illness.

    The facts say otherwise.

    Many dengue infections begin with mild or flu-like symptoms. But in some cases, symptoms can worsen quickly and become severe.6 

    Know the symptoms
     

    6. World Health Organization. Dengue and Severe Dengue Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-deng…. Accessed January 2026.

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  • Illustration showing that even short trips can carry a risk of dengue in endemic regions.

    Length of trip doesn't matter.

    The truth is that even short-term travelers can be exposed to dengue in endemic areas. You can be bitten on your first day or after two weeks - the mosquito isn’t counting how long you’re staying. 7

    Take preventative measures
     

    7. National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Dengue. Available at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/13/dengue. Accessed January 2026.

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  • Image showing dengue risk existing beyond a single season.

    False.

    Dengue risk can be present year-round in areas where dengue-carrying mosquitoes live - transmission is not limited to one season.8 

    Explore prevention options
     

    8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Dengue. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/dengue-global. Accessed January 2026.

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Share this with someone who always says, ‘I never get sick’.

 

Dengue mosquito shadow

Real experiences from people affected by dengue

Jenny recounting how dengue severely affected her health and prolonged recovery period.
Jenny recounting how dengue severely affected her health and prolonged recovery period.

Jenny’s Story

Jenny from Singapore shares her second dengue experience, describing severe symptoms, ICU care, and the risks of such infections.
Read the story
Tommer’s family dengue experience while traveling in Thailand
Tommer’s family dengue experience while traveling in Thailand

Tommer’s Story

Tommer shares how he and his daughter Ismeé contracted dengue while traveling in Thailand, highlighting the challenges of illness abroad and the importance of preparation.
Read the story
Flavia
Flavia

Flavia’s Story

Explore Flavia’s experience during a dengue outbreak in São Paulo (Brazil). Read about Flavia’s experience working in primary care, preventive measures, and the importance of community efforts in managing dengue cases. Stay informed and help prevent dengue in your community.
Read the story
Discover more real dengue stories

This World Dengue Day, remember: Mosquitoes don’t care about your plans, your routine, or your excuses.

 

 

Discuss prevention measures with your doctor, including vaccination where available.


View available sites for country‑specific, dengue information.

 

Select your country

It is important to talk with your doctor promptly if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be dengue disease. Dengue symptoms vary and are often unnoticeable or mild.

References

  1. García-Rivera EJ, Rigau-Pérez JG. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2003;13(6):362–368.

  2. Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB. Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021;1:100058.

  3. Zhou G, et al. J Insect Physiol. 2007; 53(11): 1169–1178.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Areas with Risk of Dengue. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areas-with-risk/index.html. Accessed February 2026.

  5. Abbasi E. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2025;65:102841.

  6. World Health Organization. Dengue and Severe Dengue Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed January 2026.

  7. National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Dengue. Available at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/13/dengue. Accessed January 2026.

  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Dengue. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/dengue-global. Accessed January 2026.