Doctors have warned that parts of Europe could see a rise in dengue fever after a British woman caught the illness on holiday. The 44-year-old woman visited A&E when she returned from the south of France after feeling unwell for three days.
The patient, who had no underlying medical conditions, had returned from visiting family near Nice the day before symptoms started last September and had not travelled to any other countries. She had been staying with relatives who had all been unwell with the same symptoms.
Report author Dr Owain Donnelly, of London's Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said: “This individual was part of an outbreak of over 30 locally transmitted cases in the south of France in 2022, which highlights the rapidly changing epidemiology of dengue. Surveillance and reporting mechanisms are important in ensuring we have an accurate understanding of dengue spread.” You can get more health news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
The potentially deadly illness, also known as break-bone fever, is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, and is usually more common in tropical climates. It's not usually serious and often gets better on its own, but some people get a more severe type of dengue, although this is rare.
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But what are the symptoms of dengue fever that we need to look out for? According to the NHS there are up to 14 signs that you might have the infection - however some people do not experience any.
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- a severe headache
- pain behind your eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- feeling or being sick
- swollen glands
- a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body
People with a more severe reaction may experience:
- severe tummy pain
- repeatedly being sick
- fast breathing
- bleeding gums or nose
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- being unable to relax (restlessness)
- blood in your vomit or poo
According to the NHS website, certain people have an increased risk of dengue and should avoid travelling to countries where the infection is found. These include the very young, people over 65, pregnant people, and anyone who has a weakened immune system.
If you feel unwell after travelling to a country where dengue is found, the NHS website advises people to call 111. People who are experiencing severe symptoms of dengue are advised to go to a hospital as soon as possible as it can be very serious if not treated.
European countries where the infection is found include Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira. It is also found in tropical places including parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and some southern areas of North America.
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