Easter holiday warning as Brits travelling to European countries warned of this disease
Over 2 million Brits are expected to travel abroad during the Easter weekend.
With many Brits already planning their holidays for the upcoming Easter break, an expert has warned them to stay alert while visiting the European countries. Insect bite prevention expert Howard Carter urged travellers to be aware as dengue fever cases are on the rise.
According to the experts, mosquito activity starts in March, just before the busy Easter travel season, when over 2 million Brits are expected to travel abroad during the Easter weekend. While most people associate insect bite illnesses like dengue fever, with more tropical locations, mosquito populations are rising across Europe. Several cases of dengue fever have been seen in popular European destinations such as Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, as well as in 12 other European countries.
Mr Carter said: “With dengue fever becoming increasingly prevalent across Europe and two locally acquired cases in Madeira already reported in February this year, UK travellers need to be more aware of the risks and what they can do to prevent them.
"This advice isn’t to scare British holidaymakers but rather to keep them as safe as possible while they are enjoying their overseas travel. Because while we’re drawn to the warmer weather of Europe and beyond, mosquitoes are too. In fact, they are at their most active between 24C and 34C, which is what we will often find in Europe around April and May."
Over the years, the number of reported cases of these insect-borne diseases has risen sharply.
According to the experts, the number of dengue cases among returning travellers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland surged to 473 in the first half of 2024, compared to just 157 in 2023.
Globally, dengue cases increased by 40 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Don't miss: Beautiful converted chapel hits the market - but with 1 eerie catch
Don't miss: UK weather maps show April beginning with 24-hour snow blitz - areas hit
Don't miss: Weeds will die and won’t come back if killed with 2 natural items
Dr. Suparat, from Mahidol University's Faculty of Tropical Medicine in Bangkok, an expert on dengue fever, states "According to WHO report in 2023, 7.6 million dengue cases have been reported worldwide.
“However, case numbers are very likely to be under-reported, due to insufficient laboratory capacity to detect dengue and poor reporting systems in many endemic countries. I believe the number of yearly dengue fever fatalities to be nearer 140,000."
Dengue fever is carried by Asian tiger mosquitos, which are becoming more common in Europe. The mosquito was even spotted at the Paris Olympics last summer.
According to the NHS, the symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, skin rash and swollen glands.
