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Dengue Fever in Madeira (Portugal) (Update)

14 Feb 2013

As of 3 February 2013, the Portuguese Ministry of Health has reported 2164 cases of dengue infection from  Madeira since 3 October 2012. All reported cases refer to the resident population of the island.

Seventy-eight travellers have been diagnosed in European countries with dengue infection after returning from Madeira: 11 in mainland Portugal, 23 in the UK, 19 in Germany, three in France, five in Sweden, seven in Finland, two in Denmark, two in Austria, and two in Norway. Croatia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland have all reported one case each. The latest case was reported on 1 February 2013 from Finland.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Health indicate a decrease of the number of notified cases reported since mid-November 2012  However, the outbreak is still ongoing with 28 cases reported in 2013; 3 in the last week. The seasonal increase of vector activities usually takes place May-June.

Advice for Travellers

Cases of dengue fever in returning UK travellers highlights the importance that travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking the necessary precautions.

In light of dengue fever in returning travellers, ECDC re-enforces the advice that those who have visited Madeira and experience febrile symptoms with severe headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia and maculo-papular rash within 14 days of their trip seek medical advice.