Detection of dengue in German tourists returning from Ibiza, Spain, related to an autochthonous outbreak, August to October 2022

Euro Surveill. 2024 Apr;29(14):2300296. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.14.2300296.

Abstract

In February 2023, German public health authorities reported two dengue cases (one confirmed, one probable) and four possible cases who travelled to Ibiza, Spain, in late summer/autumn 2022; the infection was probably acquired through mosquito bites. Case 1 visited Ibiza over 1 week in late August with two familial companions; all three developed symptoms the day after returning home. Only Case 1 was tested; dengue virus (DENV) infection was confirmed by presence of NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies. Case 2 travelled to Ibiza with two familial companions for 1 week in early October, and stayed in the same town as Case 1. Case 2 showed symptoms on the day of return, and the familial companions 1 day before and 3 days after return; Case 2 tested positive for DENV IgM. The most probable source case had symptom onset in mid-August, and travelled to a dengue-endemic country prior to a stay in the same municipality of Ibiza for 20 days, until the end of August. Dengue diagnosis was probable based on positive DENV IgM. Aedes albopictus, a competent vector for dengue, has been present in Ibiza since 2014. This is the first report of a local dengue transmission event on Ibiza.

Keywords: Aedes albopictus; autochthonous dengue; outbreak, tourist.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes*
  • Animals
  • Dengue Virus* / genetics
  • Dengue* / diagnosis
  • Dengue* / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Mosquito Vectors
  • Spain / epidemiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin M

Supplementary concepts

  • Aedes albopictus