Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
We report dengue virus (DENV) infection in two Dutch tourists who visited D?partement Var, southern France, in July and August 2020. As some autochthonous dengue cases have occurred in Europe in recent years, awareness among physicians and public health experts about possible intermittent presence of DENV in southern Europe is important to minimise delay in diagnosis and treatment. Quick diagnosis can lead to timely action to contain the spread of vector-borne diseases and minimise transmission.
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Conclusion
The cases reported here again illustrate that travel medicine can have a role as a sentinel for detection of silent circulation of infectious diseases [16]. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of ‘tropical’ vector-borne diseases acquired by travellers within European areas where competent vectors are present, even when cases have not been reported (yet) by local authorities. Rapid notification by clinicians and communication between national authorities is essential to ensure timely local risk management and disease control.
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Conclusion
The cases reported here again illustrate that travel medicine can have a role as a sentinel for detection of silent circulation of infectious diseases [16]. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of ‘tropical’ vector-borne diseases acquired by travellers within European areas where competent vectors are present, even when cases have not been reported (yet) by local authorities. Rapid notification by clinicians and communication between national authorities is essential to ensure timely local risk management and disease control.