Find out more about dengue

What is dengue?

Nearly 5 million (4.6) UK travellers visit certain dengue endemic regions every year.^[1] European travellers have contracted dengue while visiting North America, South America, The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Oceania and in Europe itself.^[2][3]

Dengue is a viral disease spread to humans through mosquito bites and there’s no specific treatment. It’s endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide^[4]. Dengue is usually a mild illness but in rare cases it could lead to hospitalisation.^[5]

Impact of dengue

People with dengue may develop symptoms about 5 to 8 days after becoming infected.^[5] Symptoms can be mild with flu-like symptoms, while others may contract a severe form of the virus, which requires hospitalisation.^[6] Although most dengue infections are generally mild and asymptomatic, an American study has revealed that ~40% (2,119/5,009) of returning travellers who contracted dengue were hospitalised, of which <1% (46/5,009) of these patients had severe dengue ^[6][7].

Dengue symptoms can include: a high temperature, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, feeling or being sick, a widespread red rash, and tummy pain and loss of appetite. ^[5]

In rare cases, dengue fever can be severe. Symptoms can include; abdominal pain, vomiting repeatedly and vomiting blood, bleeding gums or bleeding under the skin, breathing difficulties or fast breathing, cold and clammy skin, a weak but fast pulse, and drowsiness or loss of consciousness.^[5]

There is no specific cure for dengue, only treatment of the symptoms. Seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you [or your loved ones] develop a fever or flu-like symptoms up to 2 weeks after visiting an area where dengue can be found.^[5]

How to protect yourself from dengue?

Dengue is the world’s most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease^[8]. But you can limit your chances of contracting dengue by taking simple steps to avoid mosquito bites.

1. Use insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET. The Health Service Executive in Ireland recommend using products with 50 per cent DEET for adults and 15 to 30 per cent DEET for children to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. ^{[5, 10]}
2. Mosquitoes are present in both urban and rural areas and can be more active early in the morning and before dusk, so it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover up your skin at these times of the day while travelling.^[5][9]
3. Use a mosquito net to protect you from dengue-carrying mosquitoes while you sleep.^[5]
4. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so be vigilant of water containers in and around your accommodation – keep them clean and empty to reduce the chance of egg laying.^[11]
5. Speak to your healthcare professional(s) about dengue before travelling.