Dengue in Africa

24 Aug 2022

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported continuing transmission of dengue fever in Africa.

The following case numbers have been reported up to the end of July 2022:

Côte d'Ivoire: From 1 January 2022 to 19 March 2022, 12 cases (1 death).

Kenya: From 1 January 2022 to 28 April 2022, 33 cases.

São Tomé and Príncipe: From 1 January 2022 to 21 June 2022, 668 (1 death). This is the first recorded outbreak of dengue in the country.

Réunion (France): From 1 January 2022 to 20 July 2022, 1 250 cases.

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

There is no vaccine against dengue licensed 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.