Health chiefs have highlighted concerns over the ‘largest ever’ outbreak of a disease, as increasing numbers of people return to Europe and find themselves hospitalised. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has just published a new report on communicable disease threats, revealing a ‘substantial’ surge in dengue cases returning to the EU since the start of 2024.

The UK has also seen an uptick in cases. In 2023, 634 dengue cases were reported among returning travellers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – a considerable increase onhte previous year. Figures for this year are not out yet, but officials are concerned that cases are soaring in some holiday destinations.

The UK Health Security Agency revealed that during 2023, most reported cases of dengue were contracted in Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia, particularly India. It noted an increase in cases originating from Central America and the Caribbean, due to recent outbreaks in these regions.

In its latest update, the ECDC highlighted a growing threat from South America: “The Americas is currently facing its largest outbreak of dengue ever. As a result, there is a substantial increase in number of imported cases of dengue to the EU/EEA since the beginning of the year. The likelihood of onward transmission of dengue virus in mainland EU/EEA is linked to importation of the virus by viraemic travellers into receptive areas with established and active competent vectors (e.g. Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti). Aedes albopictus is established in a large part of Europe.”

Officials have revealed that since the beginning of 2024, a staggering 10 million cases of dengue and over 5,000 related fatalities have been reported across 80 countries. The Americas have been hit hardest, with Brazil reporting a whopping eight million cases, followed by Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and Colombia, reports Gloucestershire Live.

In mainland Europe, imported cases from endemic areas have been reported in 2024 in Germany, Italy, France and the UK.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

• Sudden high fever.
• Severe headaches.
• Pain behind the eyes.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Swollen glands.
• Rash that appears three to four days after the fever starts.

A small fraction of those infected with dengue fever develop a severe form known as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Symptoms typically appear as the fever begins to subside and may include persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, blood in vomit, and bleeding gums.