BRITS considering their holiday plans are being advised about the alarming prevalence of dengue fever. The UK Health Security Agency reported 634 cases of infections in travelers returning to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last year.
The virus, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, and headaches, was initially identified in the 18th century. Presently, it is most commonly found in regions of south and southeast Asia, particularly in India, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean.
Health authorities have also raised concerns about the increasing incidence of malaria and the Zika virus among returning travelers. This warning follows the World Health Organization’s alert regarding a significant rise in dengue cases over the past two decades.
Dr. Philip Veal from the UKHSA emphasized the surge in mosquito-borne infections due to the increased travel post the easing of pandemic restrictions. He highlighted the importance of taking simple precautions like using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under treated bed nets to minimize the risk of infections such as malaria, dengue, and Zika.
Dengue fever, caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family and transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has been a growing concern. The virus has been responsible for more illnesses and fatalities than any other insect-borne disease, affecting approximately half of the global population and causing 100 to 400 million infections annually, as estimated by the WHO.
Last year’s infection tally in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland closely mirrored the numbers from 2019, pre-Covid. Additionally, there were 1637 confirmed malaria cases in England from January to October 2023, and eight Zika cases were reported in England in 2023, similar to the previous year.
Dr. Dipti Patel from the National Travel Health Network and Centre urged travelers to prioritize their health when planning trips abroad. She advised checking relevant country information on the TravelHealthPro website and consulting with a healthcare provider or travel health clinic before traveling to ensure necessary vaccinations and advice are obtained for a safe and healthy journey.
In regions where dengue is prevalent, such as Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Madeira, the NHS recommends protective measures to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET, keeping windows and doors closed, and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Remember, if you experience any symptoms upon your return, seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider about your recent travels promptly.