Dengue in Vietnam and Sri Lanka

Up to 16 June 2022, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health official newspaper reported 60,000 cases of dengue fever in the country this year. There have also been 36 deaths from dengue fever, which is more common in the south of Vietnam. 

Also, on 10 June 2022, media quoting the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health reported continuing transmission of dengue fever across the country, with 2,416 cases in the first of week of June 2022 across several districts. 

Dengue is an infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide. Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness. 

There is no vaccine against dengue fever licensed in the UK, with treatment being supportive only. 

Advice for travellers 

All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection. Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive, and bite between dawn and dusk. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times. 

Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Information and advice for travellers on dengue fever is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites. 

Sources: TRAVAX, 21 June 2022 and TRAVAX, 21 June 2022