UK tourists travelling to popular holiday spot warned about deadly tropical disease

British holidaymakers planning a trip to Cape Verde have been alerted to an increase in dengue cases, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits, noting a surge in the disease on the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Dengue manifests with flu-like symptoms such as headaches, high temperatures, muscle pain and swollen glands.

In rare instances, it can escalate into a severe, potentially fatal illness, as per Travel Health Pro. However, severe dengue is uncommon among travellers.

READ MORE: Manchester Airport issues alert to passengers as airlines moving from terminals

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: "The Cape Verde government has raised the civil protection warning level for dengue on the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava."

Travel Health Pro further warns of a "risk" of the disease in Cape Verde, reporting that as of 14 April 2024, a total of 1,127 dengue cases have been recorded, with no fatalities, reports the M.E.N.

The website explains: "Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers.

"The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas."

According to the NHS dengue is often found in tropical areas, including: parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands, and some southern areas of North America.

It adds: "There's also a risk of getting dengue at certain times of the year (spring to November) in parts of southern Europe. European countries where dengue has been found include Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal and Madeira."

The NHS states that you cannot catch it from another person. Travel Health Pro urges travellers to avoid mosquito bites particularly during daytime hours.

Regarding a vaccine it says: "A dengue vaccine is licensed in the UK for the prevention of dengue disease in individuals from 4 years of age. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and World Health Organization are in the process of reviewing the product information. Recommendations on the use of this vaccine will be published in due course."

Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox