Dengue in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports continued transmission of dengue in South East Asia and the Western Pacific. The following countries have reported cases between 1 January 2023 and late December 2023:

Australia: 1 023 cases

Bangladesh: 320 460 cases (1 697 deaths)

Cambodia: 31 567 cases (39 deaths)

China: 17 788 cases (1 death)

Laos: 31 997 cases (20 deaths)

Malaysia: 120 418 cases (96 deaths)

Maldives: 3 223 cases

Nepal: 51 243 cases (20 deaths)

Philippines: 195 603 cases (657 deaths)

Singapore: 9663 cases

Sri Lanka: 84 727 cases

Thailand: 150 808 cases (165 deaths)

Vietnam: 166 619 cases (42 deaths)

Pacific Island countries reporting “dengue-like illness” in late 2023 include Fiji, French Polynesia, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna.

Dengue virus is spread by Aedes mosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness, sometimes leading to severe or life-threatening disease.

Advice for Travellers

Dengue is an infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide.

All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive. They bite between dawn and dusk.

• Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

A new dengue vaccine Qdenga® has been licensed in the UK and is awaiting JCVI recommendations for use.

Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For further information see TRAVAX dengue fever page.