Dengue Fever

About half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue fever with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring each year.² 

When bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus. These mosquitoes can also carry other viruses such as chikungunya, yellow fever and zika.³ 

Over 100 countries, including in Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South East Asia and the Western Pacific are affected. Dengue is also spreading to new areas, including Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South America (see map).^1,2

Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms. If symptoms occur, this is usually between 4 and 10 days after being bitten, and they usually last for 2-7 days.² Therefore, you may start to feel ill when you are back home after your trip. Symptoms may include: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or a rash.²

In most cases, dengue is mild. But in rare cases it can be life-threatening.² In severe cases it can cause shock, internal bleeding, and death.⁴

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus), IR3535 or 2-undecanone³ 
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g loose fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin^5,6
• Use mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in unscreened accommodation or sleeping outdoors during the day or night⁵