I have personally had dengue fever 3 times, 2 of them verified by blood tests, first time was hemorrhagic- (ten days in bed, 105 degree temperture for 3-4 days, bleeding gums, brain swelling, 15 pounds lost, 5 months recuperation). Second time was was 2-3 days like a flu. 3rd time was like a horribly bad 4-5 day flu type thing, with brain swelling. The onset of incapacitation can take only about 2 hours to occur.
There are four recognized strains of the virus, any of which can develop into any severity of illness, from a slight headache to hemorrhagic fever leading to death, and yes, in 1-2% of cases. If you get hemorrhagic dengue fever you will do some bargaining with whatever God you can conceive of to end the suffering. It is that bad.
It is very possible to have a mild case and not recognize it as dengue. It is possible to get all 4 strains in your lifetime....but it is believed that some immunity is developed each time you get a strain of it. There is still much being researched about this disease, and there are some differing research results and opinioins.
Don't get mosquito bites and you won't get it. You are less likely to get it where there is a sea breeze....'squeeters don't like that. You are more likely to get it where there are a lot of other people and no breezes, ....such as in cities, especially in the early mornings and the evenings. Mosquito nets at night are a must under these conditions during the dengue season. Citronella candles are fairly effective too but not good to use in closed rooms.
The most important thing to know is that nearly all cases of dengue in the Caribbean occur between now and December...outside of that time frame it rarely occurs.
If you get dengue you MUST NOT take aspirin for the pain...it will thin the blood promoting hemorrhagic fever (serious internal bleeding). There is no cure. The only treatment is hydration, which is of very limited benefit.
Do take it seriously.....studying the CDC site is a great idea....and hope you never get it.