‘Breakbone fever’ cases soar in UK as Brits warned to take 3 extra precautions while on holiday this summer

AN unprecedented number of dengue cases were reported in people returning to Britain from abroad last year, official data reveals.

Holidaymakers have been urged to “take precautions” when visiting countries where the sometimes-lethal infection is rife.

Cases of the debilitating mosquito-borne disease, often referred to as ‘breakbone fever’,in returning travellers soared to a record 904 in the UK in 2024, according to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

This was a rise from 631 the previous year and represents the highest number of cases recorded in the UK since 2009.

Most cases were linked to travel to southern and south-eastern Asia but cases have also been reportedly on the rise in European locations like Spain and Italy.

“Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can effectively reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infections,” said Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA.

“Before you travel, check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health advice on your destination, including any recommended vaccinations.”

He added:“Even if you’ve been to a country before, remember that you don’t have the same level of protection against infections as permanent residents and are still at risk.”

Dengue strikes with a sudden fever, severe headache, pain in the eyes, joints, and muscles, along with nausea and vomiting.

Once called ‘breakbone fever' in the 1700s, it got the name from the excruciating pain that made sufferers feel as though their bones were breaking.

Symptoms typically hit four to 10 days after a mosquito bite, which means holidaymakers often fall ill soon after returning to Britain.

While most people infected with dengue recover within one to two weeks, some can develop a much more serious form of the disease.

Known as ‘severe dengue,' this life-threatening condition affects about five per cent of cases and can be fatal, with experts estimating it kills half of those who develop it.

Symptoms of severe dengue include intense stomach pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, extreme fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit or poo.

Imported cases of Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne infection, have also risen in the UK.

In 2024, 112 cases were reported – more than double the 45 cases in 2023, with most were linked to travel in Southern Asia.

Zika virus cases increased to 16 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2024, up from 8 in 2023, with most travellers returning from south-eastern Asia.

While Zika is rarely reported and usually causes mild illness, it poses a serious risk to pregnant women, as it can be passed to the fetus.

With no vaccine or drug available, the best prevention is minimizing mosquito bites.