Briton gets dengue fever in Madeira

31 October 2012 09:31

The viral infection is spread by mosquitoes

The viral infection is spread by mosquitoes

An unnamed British holidaymaker is "recovering well" in hospital after contracting dengue fever, possibly from a trip to the Portuguese island of Madeira where there is currently an outbreak of the disease, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The HPA has confirmed that the person affected lives in Britain, but refused to give any further details regarding their name, age or nationality. Holidaymakers were warned earlier this month about taking precautions against dengue-carrying mosquitoes if travelling to Madeira after 52 confirmed and another 404 suspected cases of the infection were linked to the island in recent weeks.

The viral infection is spread by mosquitoes, and symptoms include a fever, headache and bone, muscle and joint pain, which could lead to more serious complications and make a medical travel insurance policy an essential item if travelling to the infected island.

A HPA spokesperson said: "The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) does not recommend any restrictions on travel to Madeira, but travellers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking necessary precautions."

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