Worldwide dengue risk reminder

Dengue is a mosquito-spread virus found in tropical and subtropical world regions, including parts of mainland Europe

Dengue (also known as break-bone fever) is an unpleasant, flu-like illness caused by a virus which is spread by daytime biting Aedes mosquitoes, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Dengue is found in more than 100 countries, with about half the world's population now at risk [1].

Although dengue is not a risk in the United Kingdom (UK), cases have been reported in UK travellers who visited South and South East Asia, South and Central America, Africa and the Caribbean [2]. Aedes mosquitoes are also found in Europe, with several countries reporting locally acquired dengue cases, including Croatia, France, Italy and Spain [2, 3].

Please see our dengue topic in brief for more information.

Advice for travellers

Before you travel

All travellers (including cruise passengers) visiting places where dengue is a risk:

• check our Country Information for the dengue risk at your destination
• make an appointment with your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic to make sure all your recommended travel and routine UK vaccines (including MMR/MMRV) are in date
• there is a live, attenuated (weakened) dengue vaccine called Qdenga® licensed in the United Kingdom (UK), but it is not suitable for all travellers
• please see: Qdenga® dengue vaccine guidance for more information

While you are away

Follow insect and tick bite avoidance advice carefully at all times, including wearing long sleeved tops and trousers and applying insect repellent regularly.

See Mosquito bite avoidance for travellers for more advice.

When you return

If you have symptoms, such as high fever and severe headache or a rash within two weeks of travel abroad, get urgent medical help.

Remember – tell your GP or nurse about every country you visited.