The US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cautioned travellers to protect themselves from contracting the dengue disease as cases trend upwards in four Caribbean countries.

In its advisory, the CDC listed Cuba, the Dominica Republic as well as French Caribbean territories Guadeloupe and Martinique.

The advisory, which was updated by CDC on April 17, indicated that these countries are experiencing higher-than-usual numbers of dengue cases and as such, advised travellers protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.

Other countries on the list are predominantly Latin American states including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru.

Individuals can protect themselves against the disease by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeve shirt and pants.

Dengue is a viral infection that is common in tropical and subtropical climates and spreads from the Aedes aegypti mosquitos to humans.