Dengue in Italy (Update 3)

Public health officials in Italy have reported 25 cases of dengue since the end of August 2024.

Twenty of these cases have been reported from of the Marche region. Dengue has also been reported elsewhere in Italy in recent weeks: there have been 5 cases across Tuscany, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna.

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.