Dengue and West Nile virus in Europe.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned of an increasing number of outbreaks of West Nile virus infections and dengue in European countries in the past two years

In 2023, 130 dengue cases were reported in the European Union/European Economic Area. IN 2022, there were 71 cases.

European Union/European Economic Area countries reported 713 cases (67 deaths) of West Nile disease in nine countries. In 2022, there 1 133 cases.

These outbreaks have mainly been reported in southern, central and eastern Europe. West Nile virus and dengue are both transmitted by mosquitoes and have the potential to cause serious illness.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers to affected areas should be advised to:

• practice mosquito bite avoidance measures at all times, especially at dusk and dawn during peak transmission times and when outbreaks are known to be occurring
• seek medical advice if they develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms with fever following travel to a risk area

There is no vaccine against West Nile virus. For further information see TRAVAX West Nile Fever page.

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

For further information see TRAVAX dengue fever page.