Dengue in Timor-Leste

07 Feb 2022

The World Health Organization reports a large increase in cases of dengue fever in Timor-Leste since the start of 2022.

In January 2022, there were 1286 cases including 20 deaths. More than half of the cases were children under the age of 14 years. In all of 2021 there were 901 cases, including 11 deaths. 

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

There is no vaccine against dengue in the UK. 

Advice for Travellers

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever page.