Holiday hotspot popular with UK tourists raises warning of deadly tropical disease

UK holidaymakers have been warned of a rise in cases of dengue, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, in Cape Verde. The UK Foreign Office has issued an update to British travellers, stating that cases of the disease have increased in the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava.

Dengue causes flu-like symptoms, including headaches, high temperatures, muscle pain and swollen glands. Occasionally it can develop into a more serious, life-threatening illness, according to the website Travel Health Pro. However, severe dengue is rare in travellers.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “The Cape Verde government has raised the civil protection warning level for dengue on the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava.” Travel Health Pro adds that there is a “risk” of the disease in Cape Verde. It states that as of 14 April 2024, a total of 1,127 dengue cases have been reported, with no deaths.

READ MORE: Manchester Airport reveals most popular destinations amid record month

The website states: “Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers.

“The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas.” According to the NHS dengue is often found in tropical areas, including: parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands, and some southern areas of North America.

It adds: "There's also a risk of getting dengue at certain times of the year (spring to November) in parts of southern Europe. European countries where dengue has been found include:Croatia, France, Italy,