Dengue in Italy (Update 2)

Public health officials in Italy reported 11 cases of dengue in the Fano area in the region of Marche on 13 September 2024. Ten of these people are believed to have been infected locally.

Dengue has been reported elsewhere in Italy recent weeks. A case was reported in Emilia-Romagna at the end of August and another in Brescia on 10 September.

Dengue is an infection mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, but it does occur occasionally in southern Europe. It is spread by Aedes mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to affected regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive. They bite between dawn and dusk.

• Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

A new dengue vaccine Qdenga® has been licensed in the UK.

• Guidance on the recommended use of Qdenga® vaccine is currently being drafted for the Green Book, but is not yet available.
• In the interim period, please see the JCVI guidance on the safe use of the Qdenga® vaccine

Treatment for dengue is supportive only.

For further information see TRAVAX dengue fever page.