Mosquito-borne virus warning issued as UK instances attain file excessive – Symptoms to search for
Travelling Brits have been warned as cases of dengue fever in the UK are at an all-time high according to data from health boffins – here are the symptoms peole can look out for
Travelling Brits have been urged to take precautions as a grim disease that can cause blood in people’s stools reaches record highs.
There have been a total of 904 dengue dengue cases reported in returning travellers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2024, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is up from 631 cases in 2023.
Cases of dengue fever can cause a wide range of potential symptoms and can be fatal in very rare cases. Some people experience no symptoms from mosquito-borne infections like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus, the UKHSA said.
All of the cases recorded by the UKHSA were linked to abroad travel, with most cases recorded in travellers returning from southern and southeastern Asia. Brits travellnug to those areas have been wanted by health bosses to “take precautions”.
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 of mosquito-borne infections.
“Before you travel, check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health advice on your destination, including any recommended vaccinations. Even if you’ve been to a country before, remember that you don’t have the same level of protection against infections as permanent residents and are still at risk.”
The NHS says symptoms typically start four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These include:
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Pain behind your eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Swollen glands
- Blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots
Although it is rare, the NHS warns some people may develop severe dengue fever a few days after becoming unwell, which can be life-threatening and requires hospital treatment. Symptoms of severe dengue include:
- Severe tummy pain
- Repeatedly being sick
- Fast breathing
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Blood in your vomit or poo
The WHO reported a global surge in both dengue cases and deaths in 2023 after cases have been on the rise since 2010 – reaching historic highs in 2019.
Regions previously considered dengue-free have reported outbreaks, the WHO says, with officials citing climate change, changing distributions of mosquitoes carrying the virus, rising temperatures, heavy rainfall and humidity as drivers of the increasing levels.
Health boffins at the NHS said anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, so those with dengue fever should make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be used to bring down a high temperature.
Travellers visiting countries with insects that spread dengue, malaria or Zika have been urged by the UKHSA to use insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and sleep under a treated bed net if air conditioning is unavailable.
The UKHSA says it is also important for travellers to:
- Ensure your routine childhood vaccines are up to date
- Have any recommended travel vaccines
- Follow the ABCD of malaria prevention: ‘Awareness of risk, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis and Diagnose promptly and treat without delay’
- Carry sufficient medications
- Get valid travel insurance
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