The mosquito-borne illness is commonly present in hotter climates – if bitten, folks could expertise flu-like signs. Here’s what you should know in regards to the viral an infection.

Dengue fever – a viral an infection unfold by mosquitoes – has been detected within the south of France.

Researchers warned that the infection is becoming more widespread attributable to increased temperatures after a lady from the UK caught the illness whereas on vacation.

What is dengue?

Dengue, also called dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne viral an infection attributable to dengue virus (DENV).

The illness is unfold to people by a chew from a feminine Yellow Fever mosquito.

According to the World Health Organisation, bugs change into contaminated after they take the blood of an individual that has been contaminated with the virus.

After one week, the mosquito can then go the virus onto a wholesome individual by biting them.

The an infection, nevertheless, can’t be unfold straight from individual to individual.

The NHS says dengue shouldn’t be normally critical and might usually get higher by itself.

Dengue could not at all times trigger signs – but when signs do happen, they normally begin 4 to 10 days after an infection.

Flu-like signs could happen as soon as the illness is caught

Some of the signs could resemble that of the flu, in keeping with the NHS web site – these embrace:

• A excessive temperature
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint and muscle ache
• Swollen gland
• A rash – barely raised or flat spots that may have an effect on giant areas of the physique

Some folks may additionally expertise extreme dengue, however that is uncommon.

WHO stated the essential part happens round three to seven days after the primary signal of sickness.

Fevers could lower however this isn’t an indication of restoration. Here are the signs linked to extreme dengue:

• Stomach ache
• Constant vomiting
• Breathing abnormally quick
• Bleeding gums or nostril
• Extreme fatigue
• Restlessness (unable to loosen up)
• Blood in vomit and poo

Can Dengue be handled?

There isn’t any therapy or identified vaccine for the viral an infection, however the NHS web site has suggested folks to relaxation, drink loads of fluids and take paracetamol if signs persist.

“Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin. These can cause bleeding problems if you have dengue,” the NHS says.

People are suggested to go to the hospital if they’ve signs of extreme dengue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that if the an infection shouldn’t be handled rapidly, it may end up in shock, inner bleeding and even demise.

Read extra:
Dengue fever cases in Ibiza prompts warning to tourists
The technique pioneered to tackle dengue

Who is prone to being contaminated?

Dengue is quite common in sure elements of the world, particularly in tropical areas resembling elements of Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and a few southern areas of North America.

Countries in Europe are additionally in danger throughout hotter seasons of the yr – like Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira.

At-risk teams are:

• Young youngsters and infants
• People aged over 65
• Pregnant ladies
• People with a weakened immune system

What you are able to do to stop an infection

When travelling to a rustic the place an infection charges are frequent, you may observe a couple of practices to assist forestall getting bitten – resembling:

• Wearing long-sleeved clothes and trousers to cowl your legs and arms
• Spray Insect repellent – with DEET – straight on the pores and skin to maintain the flies away
• Use mosquito nets handled with insecticide
• Keep all home windows and doorways closed when you may

Last month, Spanish well being officers issued an alert from “low” to “moderate” between May and November after an outbreak in Ibiza.

The alert got here after six German vacationers had been contaminated whereas visiting the island between August and November final yr.

A 27-year-old lady examined constructive after visiting the Spanish island in August 2022 together with her companion and one-year-old daughter.

All three had signs together with fever, joint ache and a rash.

Dr Owain Donnelly from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London stated: “With climate change, particularly hotter temperatures and more rainfall, and increasing global trade and tourism, we may see more parts of Europe with the right combination of factors for dengue outbreaks.”