Dengue in the Americas

24 Aug 2022

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported continuing transmission of dengue fever in the Americas.

The countries reporting most cases from 1 January 2022 to the end of July 2022 are:

Brazil: 1 827 617 cases

Peru: 56 021 cases

Colombia: 32 327 cases

Nicaragua: 22 887 cases

Ecuador: 12 279 cases

Dengue fever is an infection found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness. A small number of cases is seen in southern Europe (including France) each year. 

There is no vaccine against dengue licensed in the UK. 

Advice for Travellers

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever page.