Where these diseases occur
Zika outbreaks have been identified in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas.
Dengue outbreaks have occurred in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, on the big island of Hawaii, in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa, with an estimated 390 million people infected with the virus each year.
Chikungunya outbreaks have cropped up in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific oceans, but in late 2013, the virus was found for the first time in the Americas -- on islands in the Caribbean.
CDC resources for travelers
CDC Travelers' Health website
Tips for preventing mosquito bites while traveling to affected areas
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an
appropriate insect repellent, particularly those containing DEET, oil of lemon, eucalyptus or Picardin.
- Always follow product directions and reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear, or treat them yourself.
- Stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
If you are bitten by mosquitoes
- Avoid scratching mosquito bites.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.
For public health partners
Educational materials