Dengue in Spain (Ibiza)

02 Mar 2023

The Spanish Ministry of Health has reported 2 cases of dengue following travel to the island of Ibiza.

Both cases were residents of Germany who visited Ibiza before becoming unwell. The first case visited Ibiza in the last week of August 2022 and the second visited in the second week of October 2022.

Each case was accompanied by two family members who are also suspected to have had dengue.

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.

During winter and early spring, risk of dengue in Spain is low as mosquitoes are less active. The risk is highest in the months of May to November.

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.