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Dengue fever numbers are increasing in Germany. The Asian tiger mosquito is also considered a vector and is increasingly spreading in this country.
Frankfurt – Acute fever, rash and muscle pain: These are just some of the symptoms of dengue fever. It is considered the most common and fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world. Between 284 and 528 million people are infected with the virus every year. An increasing number of cases are currently being reported in Germany.
More and more dengue fever cases are being reported in Germany
This year, 39 cases of the potentially fatal tropical disease have already been reported in Berlin. Loud State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) this is significantly more than before the corona pandemic. For comparison: In the years 2015 to 2019, the average value was 18. Two affected people had to be treated in hospital this year.
13 cases were reported in the most recent reporting week alone at the end of March. However, only one of these has been confirmed so far; further confirmations are still pending. According to Lageso, this is the highest number ever reported since the Infection Protection Act came into force in 2001.
Asian tiger mosquito and yellow fever mosquito: How is dengue fever transmitted?
The viral disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) or the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). “An infected mosquito can transmit the virus for the rest of its life,” the informed Tropical Institute. Transmission from person to person is not possible.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the virus was only found in tropical and subtropical regions for a long time. In recent decades, however, dengue fever has spread geographically. The reason for this is, among other things, the effects of climate change, which create more favorable conditions for mosquitoes due to temperature increases and heat waves. According to the RKI, the Asian tiger mosquito is now widespread in 13 EU countries (as of 2023). The mosquito is also spreading more and more in Germany.
Dengue fever in Germany: These are possible symptoms
- Sudden fever
- skin rash
- Severe muscle pain
- nausea
- Vomit
Most symptoms subside quickly. But in rare but severe cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever can occur. Young adults and children are particularly affected. Internal bleeding may occur days after the fever. There is a disruption in the blood platelets, which means that the organs have poorer blood supply. Circulatory failure (dengue shock syndrome) can occur within a few days. Without appropriate treatment, 40 to 50 percent of cases are fatal.
Two vaccines are currently approved in the EU. The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends vaccination, especially when traveling to dengue-endemic areas. A second infection with the virus can increase the risk of a severe course ninefold.
More and more cases of dengue fever worldwide: How to protect yourself
In the cases reported in Germany, those affected were infected abroad. Last year, according to the RKI increased infections after trips to Egypt noted. Therefore, consistent mosquito protection on the entire body is essential in affected regions, for example with long-sleeved clothing or mosquito spray. With a few tips you can keep the mosquitoes away. The risk of infection depends, among other things, on the country you are traveling to, the duration of the trip, the season and the current dengue activity. In principle, however, it is rare for travelers to become seriously ill or die from it.
Brazil is one of the best-known risk areas. This year, the South American country experienced what was probably the worst outbreak in its history. A total of 1.9 million probable infections with the dengue virus were registered in 2024 (as of the end of March). The trigger is likely to be heavy rain and the high temperatures in recent months. The numbers in Argentina and Peru had also recently increased.
Most people become infected with dengue abroad. According to Lageso, there is a risk that people in Germany will also become infected with dengue fever in the long term. (kas/dpa)