Foreign Office issues Italy travel warning after cases of tropical virus reported

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Italy after cases of dengue fever have been reported in the country. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and British travellers have been warned to take “appropriate precautions” to avoid being bitten by the insect.

According to the NHS website, dengue fever is an infection which isn’t usually serious and often gets better on its own. There are some types which are more severe, but these are rare. The mosquitoes which carry the dengue virus can bite during the day.

The website states that the disease is usually found in tropical areas, however, it said that there is a risk of getting dengue at certain times of the year, from spring to November, in parts of southern Europe - including Italy. It added that you cannot catch the infection from another person.

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In its latest travel update for Italy the FCDO says: "There have been cases of the mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, in Italy. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

Dengue fever doesn’t always cause symptoms, although if they do develop they usually start four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the NHS advises. Some symptoms are similar to flu and include:

a high temperature

a severe headache

pain behind your eyes

muscle and joint pain

feeling or being sick

swollen glands

a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body

If you feel unwell after travelling to a country where dengue is found you’re advised to ask for an