Dengue is a viral infection that affects people in tropical and subtropical distributions. It is estimated that half the world is at risk. In 2023, the World Health Organisation recorded 5 million infections globally with 5000 dengue related deaths. Dengue is caught when bitten by specific mosquitos called the Aedes mosquitoes. Due to globalisation, urbanisation and climate change, local dengue infections are found in previously dengue free areas including Southern Europe.
Whilst most dengue infections are mild, some can be severe and can lead to hospital admissions and death. There are 4 different types of dengue. This unfortunately means that you can caught dengue 4 separate times. The most severe infection is usually the second due to interactions between the virus and the immune system.
There are currently 2 vaccines recommended by the World Health Organisation- Dengvaxia and Qdenga. Their use is limited to dengue endemic regions – this is defined as a region where over 60% of the population is exposed to dengue.
Qdenga is licensed and available from some UK travel clinics as a private prescription. The ‘Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’ (JCVI) is expected to publish guidelines for use in the upcoming months.
Travellers should also focus on preventing mosquito bites. The Aedes mosquito prefers to bite at dusk and dawn. Wearing long sleeves during this period and *DEET* containing insect repellent is advisable.
