Dengue Fever: Why Prevention Is More Crucial Than Ever

With dengue cases hitting record levels in the UK and Europe, the urgency to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses has never been higher. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the number of imported dengue fever cases in the UK reached an all-time high last month. This sharp rise is partly attributed to more travellers seeking respite abroad after an unseasonably poor UK summer, as noted by Howard Carter, bite prevention expert and co-founder of incognito®.

Dengue fever, caused by the Aedes mosquito, remains a growing global health threat. Two-thirds of the world’s population is now at risk, and climate change is increasing mosquito populations in regions previously unaffected, including Europe. For travellers, the risks are compounded by the fact that there is no cure for dengue fever — prevention is your only defence.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and can resemble flu, including:

• High fever
• Severe headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash (blotchy and widespread)
• Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to life-threatening complications like plasma leakage, respiratory distress, and organ impairment.

C.L.O.A.K. Yourself Against Dengue Fever

At incognito®, we believe that prevention is the best cure. To help travellers stay protected, Howard Carter developed the C.L.O.A.K. method, a simple acronym for reducing mosquito bites and the risk of dengue fever:

C – Cover Up

Wear long sleeves and trousers to shield your skin from mosquito bites. For extra protection, soak your clothes in a mix of 10-20 drops of incognito®’s Java Citronella Oil and water for 15 minutes.

L – Light and Loose

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and tight fabrics. Opt for light-coloured, loose clothing that keeps you cool while deterring mosquitoes.

O – Odour Control

Certain bodily odours and scented products make you a mosquito magnet. Wash thoroughly with an unscented or citrus-based product like the incognito® Hair & Body Wash, and use a natural loofah to deep clean your pores.

A – Apply Repellent

Use a highly effective insect repellent with PMD, such as incognito®’s award-winning Insect Repellent Spray, Roll-on, Lotion, Mineral Sunblock and our newest addition, the Kid’s Spray. Reapply every 4-5 hours to maintain protection.

K – Keep Them Out

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water within just five days. Eliminate standing water near your home or accommodations and use products like incognito® Room Refresher or Incense Sticks to keep them at bay.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

The recent uptick in dengue cases underscores the importance of planning ahead. As Howard Carter warns, "most travellers are unprepared for the rise in mosquito populations in the tropics and even Europe from springtime onwards. Do not leave it until the last minute to buy protection at the airport, as shops there regularly sell out."

Whether you're travelling to a tropical hotspot or enjoying a break in southern Europe, make sure you’re fully prepared. With climate change expanding the reach of mosquito-borne illnesses, even traditionally "safe" destinations are becoming riskier.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Dengue fever is a growing concern, but with the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Remember the C.L.O.A.K. method, stay updated on dengue cases in your destination, and prioritise effective insect repellents.

For more information on how to protect yourself, make sure you’ve signed up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for the latest news. Protect yourself and your loved ones on your next adventure — because prevention is always better than cure.

More reading:

1.      - Rising Threat of Mosquito-Borne Infections – Stay Informed and Protected

2.      - How to stay protected in high risk areas.

3.     -  Learn what insects and diseases incognito® protects you against.