Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by infected daytime biting mosquitos.
Dengue outbreaks are occurring in many countries of the world in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
There are 4 different serotypes (variants) of the dengue fever virus.
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area with risk of dengue is at risk for infection. More detailed maps about dengue risk by region are available on the US Centers of of Disease and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areaswithrisk/around-the-world.html
For up-to-date information on areas where dengue has recently been reported, see Dengue Map: https://www.healthmap.org/dengue/en/
For information on how to reduce mosquito bites please see: Mosquito Bite Avoidance – Fit for Travel: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/mosquito-bite-avoidance
Travelling? Find country specific information and advice at Destinations – Fit for Travel: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations
New Dengue Fever vaccine
A new dengue vaccine, Qdenga, was licensed in the UK in 2023. Vaccination consists of 2 doses, given 3 months apart. Vaccination is chargeable at a cost of £120 per dose or £240 for a full course.
Data suggests that protection starts 14 days after the first dose and reasonable protection has been demonstrated between the first and second dose. Hence the first dose can be given up to 14 days prior to travel to a dengue-endemic country. But to ensure better and more durable protection, a second dose is needed after a minimum interval of 3 months. The vaccination is not suitable for everyone and proper assessment of previous health conditions will be undertaken before it is recommended.
Who should consider dengue vaccine?
Persons who have previously been infected with dengue may particularly benefit from Qdenga vaccination to prevent a second (and potentially more severe) dengue infection when travelling again to dengue-endemic countries.
The vaccine gives slightly lower protection in those who have never experienced a dengue infection before, and it is currently recommended to those who have previously experienced infection. Travellers should be aware that the vaccine does not protect against all dengue variants equally and this will be discussed at the consultation.
