Warning to holidaymakers after cases of killer dengue fever detected in France

DEADLY dengue fever – also known as ‘breakbone fever’ – has been detected in France.

Neither of the two known cases had travelled abroad and are thought to have been infected in the local area.

GettyDengue fever is spread by mosquitoes[/caption]

The couple, who live in Gardanne, in the Bouches-du-Rhône – near Marseille – are now “cured”, according to health officials.

“These are the first autochthonous (locally transmitted) cases of dengue fever identified this year in the region since the start of seasonal surveillance,” the regional health agency (ARS) of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, said on August 4.

Experts are now racing to contain the spread of the disease, by conducting interviews in the local area to identify any other people with symptoms of the illness.

Dengue is spread by mosquitoes and in most cases, isn’t serious, the NHS states.

Dengue is very common in certain parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean, guidance states.

However, more recently, the bug has been found in Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira.

A 44-year-old British woman made headlines in April after she was infected with the virus on a family trip close to Nice in September.

She went to A&E in the UK with a three-day fever, pains and a rash but later made a full recovery.

Though Europe’s climate has historically not been hospitable to the little disease-carrying pests Dr Owain Donnelly, from London’s Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said the spread of the illness is “rapidly changing”.

“Hotter temperatures and more rainfall, and increasing global trade and tourism, mean we may see more parts of Europe with the right combination of factors for dengue outbreaks,” he explained previously.

A report published in June revealed disease-ridden mosquitoes – carrying several diseases including dengue – were found in 26 European countries.

Other diseases on the watch list include Rift Valley fever, chikungunya, West Nile disease, yellow fever and Zika.

How to prevent dengue fever

There is no vaccine available against dengue fever for travellers.

To prevent dengue fever, you need to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and breeding.

Mosquitoes that transmit dengue tend to bite during the daytime

Tips include:

Cover up bare skin – wear clothing that covers as much skin as practical. Don’t forget feet and ankles.Use an effective insect repellent.Avoid areas where mosquitoes breed – anywhere with stagnant water such as drains and ponds.Keep mosquitoes out of your accommodation – close windows and doors. If you need to have windows and doors open ensure that you have mosquito screens closed. Use “knock-down” insect spray to kill mosquitoes in your room.Keep your accommodation free of mosquito breeding areas – containers and dishes that hold even a small amount of water can breed mosquitoes. Dishes under potted plants are notorious culprits.

Most people who get dengue fever don’t have symptoms, and if they do, they are mild.

Between four and ten days after the mosquito bites, symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle and joint pains.

A flat, red rash may also develop.

The illness usually gets better within a few days to a week without treatment, but painkillers can be taken to relieve symptoms.

Find out the health risks at your summer holiday destination with this online tool.