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Global increase in dengue fever

02 Dec 2021

The World Health Organization report that the global occurrence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades with about half of the world's population now at risk.  

So far in 2021, there have been 1,472,059 cases reported worldwide, with the majority from Brazil, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and Peru.

Dengue is an infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, with a small number cases in southern Europe in recent years. It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.

There is no vaccine against dengue licensed in the UK. Treatment is supportive only.

Advice for Travellers

Dengue is an infection spread by mosquito bites that can cause a severe flu-like illness. The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever page.