What Is Dengue Fever? Symptoms, Risks & How to Protect Yourself When Travelling

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that’s spreading fast across the globe. While many people experience only mild symptoms—or none at all—severe dengue can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dengue fever, including how to protect yourself with mosquito bite prevention and the newly available dengue vaccine in the UK.

🦟 What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito—the same species responsible for chikungunya and Zika virus.

Dengue is now endemic in over 100 countries, especially in:

• Southeast Asia

• Central and South America

• The Caribbean

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• The Indian subcontinent

• Pacific Islands

It’s also becoming more common in southern parts of Europe, including France and Italy, due to climate change and increased travel.

🌐 Did you know? According to global estimates, dengue fever causes up to 96 million symptomatic infections every year.

🤒 What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Many people infected with dengue may not even realise they’ve had it. In fact, 40–80% of dengue infections are asymptomatic.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms (2–7 days):

• High fever

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain (sometimes called “breakbone fever”)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Swollen glands

• Skin rash

Severe Dengue Fever (5% of cases):

Symptoms of severe dengue typically appear after the fever subsides and may include:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Ongoing vomiting

• Bleeding gums or blood in vomit

• Fatigue or restlessness

• Rapid breathing or signs of shock

Severe dengue requires urgent medical attention and can be fatal if not treated quickly.

⏱ Incubation Period

Symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

🛡️ How to Prevent Dengue Fever While Travelling

✅ Bite Prevention

The best defence is preventing mosquito bites, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

Top tips:

• Use an insect repellent with DEET (20–50%)

• Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing

• Sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms

• Use mosquito nets if sleeping outdoors or in basic accommodation

• Avoid areas with stagnant water (a breeding ground for mosquitoes)

💉 Is There a Dengue Vaccine Available in the UK?

Yes—Qdenga® is now licensed in the UK for the prevention of dengue fever.

This is a live attenuated vaccine, and it’s designed to offer protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. It’s especially useful for:

• Travellers to high-risk dengue areas

• Long-term travellers, expats or aid workers

• People with previous dengue infection (who are at higher risk of severe disease with reinfection)

💡 Talk to a clinician before receiving the vaccine to assess eligibility and risks—particularly for younger children or those with a weakened immune system.

🧭 Who Should Consider the Dengue Vaccine?

The vaccine is not routinely offered to everyone. It’s generally recommended for:

• People travelling to or living in high-risk areas

• Individuals with past dengue infection who are travelling again

• Long-stay travellers, aid workers, and healthcare professionals in endemic regions

🧪 Can Dengue Be Mistaken for Other Illnesses?

Yes—dengue shares symptoms with flu, malaria, chikungunya, and even COVID-19. If you feel unwell after travel to a tropical or subtropical region, always seek medical advice and mention your recent travel history.

📋 Summary

✈️ Planning a Trip? Protect Yourself Before You Go

If you're travelling to a region where dengue is a concern, book a travel health consultation at Ready Health Clinic. We’ll help you decide whether the Qdenga® vaccine is suitable, and provide tailored advice on mosquito bite prevention and other vaccines you may need.

📞 Call us today or book online.
📍 Based in Standish, we serve Wigan, Chorley, Horwich and the wider North West.