Travel-associated dengue infections--United States, 2001-2004.

Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted, acute viral disease caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). Dengue is endemic in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world and has occurred in U.S. residents returning from travel to such areas. CDC maintains a laboratory-based passive surveillance system for travel-associated dengue among U.S. residents. The system relies on voluntary reports submitted to state health departments by clinicians; patient specimens are then forwarded to CDC for diagnostic testing. This report summarizes information about travel-associated dengue cases among U.S. residents during 2001-2004. The risk for dengue infection among travelers can be reduced by use of repellents and by avoiding exposure to mosquitoes.