Health officials have issued a warning to travellers as dengue fever cases in the UK hit a record high. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 904 cases in returning travellers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2024, up from 631 in 2023. All cases were linked to travel abroad, with most originating from Southern and South-Eastern Asia.
Dengue fever, also known as bone-break fever, is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas, including parts of southern Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that rare severe forms can be life-threatening. The WHO reported a global surge in cases and deaths in 2023, with cases rising since 2010 and reaching historic highs in 2019.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: 'It is essential to take precautions against mosquito-borne infections such as dengue while travelling abroad. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can effectively reduce the risk.' He advised checking the TravelHealthPro website for destination-specific health advice before travelling.
Symptoms typically appear four to ten days after a mosquito bite and include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and a rash. Severe dengue, which can be life-threatening, may cause severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit or stool.
Those infected are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol for fever, but to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin due to bleeding risks. The UKHSA notes that some people experience no symptoms. Climate change, rising temperatures, heavy rainfall, and humidity are cited as drivers of the increasing global spread of dengue.
