Warmer weather conditions are encouraging more mosquito-borne infections, such as dengue fever, to spread to the UK.
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report has warned that the illness becomes increasingly prominent following massive global heat plumes that have caused temperatures to surge. The warmer weather means that conditions are becoming more favourable for virus-spreading mosquitos.
Dengue fever is an infection spread by the pesky insects that can become severe in some cases. Many people who become infected will experience no symptoms, but around one to 5 percent of those with the virus develop potentially fatal severe dengue, according to the World Health Organisation.
Dengue has been identified in European locations such as Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira, with concerns growing about the potential spread around the UK.
The mosquito-borne virus is also very common in tropical countries such as parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and some southern areas of North America.
In light of the worries, it is important to know the symptoms of the virus and when to seek medical attention if concerned.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
The illness does not always cause symptoms but if warning signs do appear, they usually begin around four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Around 75 percent of people are unaware they are infected.
According to the NHS, symptoms of dengue fever are similar to those of the flu.
They include:
- a high temperature
- a severe headache
- pain behind your eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- feeling or being sick
- swollen glands
- a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body
Severe dengue symptoms
Some people infected will suffer with a more severe type of dengue fever a few days after they start feeling ill.
This is rare, but there are certain warning signs to look out for that often appear around 24 to 48 hours after you experience initial symptoms.
According to the NHS, symptoms of severe dengue include:
- severe tummy pain
- repeatedly being sick
- fast breathing
- bleeding gums or nose
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- being unable to relax (restlessness)
- blood in your vomit or poo
When should you seek medical attention for dengue fever?
You should book an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if unable to do so if you feel unwell after travelling to a country where dengue fever is found.
Check your symptoms and let your GP or 111 call handler know about your recent travel.
You should also seek medical advice quickly if you begin to feel unwell and show symptoms of the virus while you are travelling.
If you experience symptoms of severe dengue and have been to a country where the mosquito-borne virus is found, it is important to call 999 or visit A&E immediately. Severe dengue can be very serious if not treated quickly.
Visit your nearest hospital if you experience these symptoms while still on your travels.
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