Puerto Rico for spring break - dengue concerns?

[Anonymous]

I know Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency for dengue this past spring, and still seems to be an issue. Dengue seems to be one of those things where it's often not that big of a big deal, until it's a big deal. Which is probably true of many mosquito borne diseases in lots of places.

Considering Puerto Rico for spring break 2025 (mid April), and just not sure how concerned I should be. Kid is 11 if that matters.

[Anonymous]

I’d go. Honestly there are more mosquitoes in DC than PR.

[Anonymous]

We went this past summer. Didn’t see one mosquito at our resort. Used mosquito repellant when we left the resort.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for those with sane responses! I'll book as planned.

[Anonymous]

Don’t be fooled there are lots of mosquitoes there. Carry bug repellent. They have their mosquito season and it gets very bad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t be fooled there are lots of mosquitoes there. Carry bug repellent. They have their mosquito season and it gets very bad

Mosquito season is the late spring/summer.

Op, we went two years ago. Days of hiking in the rain forest and I don’t think any of us got a single bite. And I know we didn’t use bug spray.

We are heading back this month. Bug spray isn’t on my packing list.

[Anonymous]

You could spray your clothes with permethrin if you’re concerned. I’d spray outside with a face mask on though to avoid breathing it in.
Sleep with bug spray on if there are any mosquitoes in your hotel. I usually get bit in bed because I’ve showered off my bug spray. I hate sleeping in it but if there’s an outbreak, worth considering.

[Anonymous]

Mosquitos are everywhere in DC, MD, VA. And Dengue has been detected in several states. Why are you singling out Puerto Rico as being a concern? Just book your trip and enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mosquitos are everywhere in DC, MD, VA. And Dengue has been detected in several states. Why are you singling out Puerto Rico as being a concern? Just book your trip and enjoy.

The CDC indicates dengue is “common” in PR but not any of the continental states.
https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/outbreaks/2024/index.html#:~:text=Dengue%20is%20common%20in%20six,and%20the%20Republic%20of%20Palau.

Anyway, I agree with PPs to use bug spray and permithicen your clothes (especially any for hiking in interior or touring San Juan— not necessary for beach clothes). It’s not a bad idea to have lightweight clothes that covers arms/legs in addition—eg light linen or similar. That’s what I tend to wear whenever I’m in a place where I’m worried about mosquitos or ticks. Unfortunately with climate change the insect borne illnesses get more prevalent.
The permithicen on clothes and shoes is really effective — my son camps in places that are totally mosquito infested and I’m sure he never remembers to use bug spray but never gets bitten because I treat all his stuff (don’t forget things like socks and hats). It lasts through several washes.

[Anonymous]

Definitely be careful to use bug spray and/or cover yourselves if you plan to do the bioluminescent tours. Being by the water at night brings out lots of mosquitoes.