The Foreign Office and UK health officials have issued a stark warning about a surge in dengue fever cases among holidaymakers returning from Spain and other European destinations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 201% increase in cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between January and June 2024, with 473 cases recorded compared to 157 in the same period of 2023.
Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causes symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, which carry a higher risk of death.
The disease is spreading across Europe, with cases reported in Spain, Italy, France, Greece and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has linked the rise to the spread of the invasive tiger mosquito, which has been found in 13 EU countries. Climate change is creating favourable conditions for these mosquitoes to thrive, according to ECDC chief Andrea Ammon.
Globally, the World Health Organization reported over 7.6 million dengue cases and more than 3,000 deaths by April 2024, with the Americas seeing over 7 million cases. In the UK, the majority of cases were in England, with London accounting for 40% of them. Most patients had travelled to Barbados, Brazil or Indonesia.
Health officials advise travellers to take protective measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Controlling mosquito breeding sites and, during severe outbreaks, aerial insecticide spraying may also be necessary.
