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As of 4 November, the Portuguese Ministry of Health, has reported 1148 cases of dengue fever of which 517 have been laboratory confirmed. During this outbreak, 57 people have been hospitalised for observation and no deaths or cases of severe dengue have been reported.
Most cases are among the local population. However, a number of tourists have been diagnosed with dengue fever after developing symptoms on return to their home country. The UK has reported 6 cases, France and Germany 2 cases each and Sweden one case. None of these cases have had serious disease. In addition, 8 cases were diagnosed after returning to mainland Portugal.
The updated figures indicate that the outbreak has not yet peaked and more cases among the island’s population as well as tourists should be expected. The peak mosquito breeding period will continue until the beginning of 2013, and coincides with a peak in the number of tourists over the festive period.
ECDC is providing technical assistance to the health authorities in Madeira in their efforts to control the outbreak.
(Via ECDC - accessed 09/11/12)
Advice for Travellers
The recent 6 cases of dengue fever in returning UK travellers highlights the importance that travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking the necessary precautions.
In light of dengue fever in returning travellers, ECDC re-enforces the advice that those who have visited Madeira and experience febrile symptoms with severe headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia and maculo-papular rash within 14 days of their trip seek medical advice.
