Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
26 August 2014 09:36
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes
Climate change could increase the risk of holidaymakers coming into contact with dengue fever in Europe, experts have warned.
Dengue is a common viral infection which is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions where mosquitoes flourish, typically in areas with a warm and humid climate.
Those visiting areas of the world where dengue is present would be wise to make sure they have travel insurance, which can offer real peace of mind.
People who are travelling with an existing health condition such as diabetes should also make sure they arrange pre-existing medical travel insurance as research carried out at the Federal University in Brazil has previously highlighted a link between the two conditions.
Symptoms of dengue include a high temperature that can reach 41ºC; headache, p ain behind the eyes; and bone, muscle and joint pain.
People who develop such symptoms within two weeks of being abroad are urged to see their GP so they can help to manage the illness, which usually clears up within a couple of weeks.
However, many people travelling to European holiday destinations may not suspect they have dengue as it has not been highly associated with the region.
But experts warned such instances may become more common if climate change continues on its current trajectory.
In particular, they said visitors to coastal areas of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas could face a greater risk, as well as tourists heading to the north-eastern part of Italy, especially the Po Valley.
Researchers from UEA's Norwich Medical School made their predictions using data from Mexico, where dengue is present. Using variables such as temperature, humidity and rainfall, they were able to come up with a model of where the illness might begin to pop up more often in the future, with details of their findings published in the journal BMC Public Health.
Cases of dengue fever are already on the rise, according to Public Health England, which revealed that there was a 58% increase among Britons returning home b etween 2012 and 2013. The health body also noted that there had been a rise in the number of cases linked to travel to Barbados.
16 November 2018
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
[more...]
15 November 2018
Smokers who regularly use vapers are more likely to try and quit smoking for good, new research has suggested.
14 November 2018
Leukaemia patients are now a step closer to personalised treatments after a British study looked at the role gene mutations play in blood cancers.
13 November 2018
A quick scan of the blood vessels in a patient's neck could soon be a critical part of future dementia screening, new research has suggested.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.
01 November 2018
A vegan diet could help people living with diabetes to better manage their condition, a new review suggests.
31 October 2018
Electric planes could soon be flying on short-haul routes in Europe, according to the boss of EasyJet.