Dengue
Dengue is an infection caused by the dengue virus of which there are four different types (serogroups). The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that spread dengue usually breed in urban areas close to human habitation and are most active during daylight hours. Although unpleasant, dengue is usually a self-limiting illness. However a small, but significant, number of people can develop more severe, life-threatening infection.
The disease is common in the tropics. Affected areas include the Caribbean, South and Central America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Although less common, outbreaks are increasingly being reported outside tropical areas, including in Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in Croatia, France and Madeira. Dengue does not occur naturally in the United Kingdom (UK), it is a travel-associated infection. Cases of dengue in UK travellers are increasing, with most reported in travellers who visited Asia, the Americas and the Caribbean. Country-specific information on dengue is available on our Country Information pages and current dengue outbreaks are listed on our Outbreak Surveillance section.
All travellers to dengue endemic countries are at risk of dengue infection. The chance of contracting dengue is determined by several factors, including destination, length of exposure and season of travel. Risk is thought to be higher during periods of intense mosquito feeding activity (two to three hours after dawn and during the early evening) Travellers, who spend long periods in areas where dengue is common, are at increased risk, but even short-term visitors can be infected.
Most people infected with dengue remain symptom-free. If symptoms do occur, the illness usually begins abruptly with a high fever, and is often accompanied by a severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash. Most infections are self-limiting, with a rapid recovery three to four days after the rash appears.
A small number of people develop more severe illness with symptoms which can include dangerously low blood pressure (shock), fluid build-up in the lungs and severe bleeding. There is no specific drug treatment for severe dengue illness, although hospital admission and careful management of fever, fluid balance and pain can help with recovery. If left untreated, severe dengue illness can be fatal.
Prevention
Travellers can check our Country Information pages for information on the risk of dengue at their destination. Mosquito bite avoidance is recommended. As dengue is spread by day-biting mosquitoes, particular care with bite avoidance is advised during the day, especially around dawn and dusk. As of January 2023, a new vaccine Qdenga® has been licensed in the UK for the prevention of dengue disease in individuals from 4 years of age. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are in the process of reviewing the product information. Recommendations on the use of this vaccine will be published in due course.
Resources
- More detailed information on can be found in our dengue factsheet
- UKHSA: Dengue: guidance, data and analysis
- World Health Organization (WHO): Fact sheets: dengue and severe dengue
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Cholera
Cholera is an infection that usually causes profuse watery diarrhoea; the majority of travellers are at low risk
Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which can infect humans and animals (most commonly rodents, cattle, pigs and dogs)
Measles
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness with the potential for serious and life threatening complications
Recent News on Dengue
Global dengue risk reminder
Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitoes found in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide, including parts of Europe
Updated: 01 May 2024Qdenga® dengue vaccine guidance
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) deliberations on Qdenga® vaccine now available
Updated: 21 March 2024Dengue: the Caribbean region
An increase in cases of dengue have been reported in the Caribbean region
Updated: 06 February 2024Locally acquired cases of dengue in France
Cases of dengue have been reported in southern and northern France
Updated: 25 October 2023Recent Dengue Outbreaks
Dengue in USA
On 24 June 2024, a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue was reported.
Dengue in Guatemala
As of 16 June 2024, 27,951 dengue cases and 10 deaths have been reported in 2024, an increase of 516% compared to the same period in 2023. DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 viruses have been identified in the country.
Dengue in Dominican Republic
As of 16 June 2024, 8,790 dengue cases (no deaths) have been reported in 2024, an increase of 442% compared to the same period in 2023.
Dengue in Mexico
As of 16 June 2024, 83,997 dengue cases and 26 deaths have been reported in 2024, an increase of 241% compared to the same period in 2023. The majority of cases have been reported from Guerrero, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo. DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 viruses have been identified in the country.
