Dengue
UK Status
Dengue cases in the UK are usually linked to travel. Sustained local transmission is not currently established, but UK agencies keep a close watch because mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue, such as Aedes albopictus, have been detected in Britain and climate change can expand the areas where these mosquitoes survive.
What Is Dengue?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is common in many tropical and subtropical regions. It is one of the major diseases that public health teams watch when talking about mosquito spread and climate suitability.
Global and Climate Context
Dengue is one of the fastest-growing vector-borne diseases globally. UK and European surveillance matters because research has identified parts of Europe at increasing risk, and public-health teams want to spot changes early rather than wait for outbreaks. In that context, invasive mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus are watched closely.
Symptoms to Know
Dengue can cause fever, headache, aches, fatigue, and sometimes rash. Severe illness is less common but can be serious. Travel-related illness should be assessed promptly if symptoms develop after a trip.
Public Advice
For UK residents, the main practical steps are bite prevention when travelling, checking for symptoms after travel, and supporting surveillance that helps detect changing risk early. UKHSA's vector-borne disease work is aimed at exactly that kind of early warning.