A local doctor wants travelers to be prepared if heading to Puerto Rico because of a dengue fever outbreak there.

A public health emergency was recently declared there after recording more than 500 cases so far this year.

A person can only be infected by a certain type of mosquito there and many other places in the world. Those mosquitos are not in the local area.

When a person is bit, it could take about a week for symptoms to develop, which are said to be similar to a virus-like fever and feeling lousy.

There could also be little red bumps on your skin.

A local infectious disease expert recommends people use mosquito spray and wear long clothing to protect their skin when in Puerto Rico.

"We're coming up on spring break and eventually summer vacation so we just want people to be aware,” Dr. Marina Keller, an infectious disease specialist with Westchester Medical Center. “To take the safety precautions they need to have a great vacation."

Dr. Keller explained that children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk.

A local travel agent tells us they have not seen any impact on travel to Puerto Rico but always recommend people pay for travel insurance for peace of mind.