Chikungunya, dengue and zika at your travel destination?
Chikungunya, dengue (also called dengue fever) and zika are infectious diseases that are
caused by viruses. These viruses are transmitted through the bite of a
infected mosquito (yellow fever mosquito or Asian tiger mosquito). These mosquitoes mainly sting between
sunrise and sunset. The symptoms of chikungunya, dengue and zika are very similar
on each other. Read more about these diseases and how to prevent them here.
Where do these diseases occur?
In many countries with hot or (sub-)tropical climates, these three diseases, especially during the
rainy season, cause major outbreaks. In southern Europe, small
outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue reported. Consult a travel advice and vaccination agency
to discuss risk during your trip.
Chikungunya: how do you get it and what do you notice?
Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus. You can get the disease if you are pricked
by a mosquito carrying the chikungunya virus. These mosquitoes mainly sting between sunrise and
sunset. You can also pass on the virus if you are pregnant, just before or during childbirth
to your (unborn) baby. The baby may then become seriously ill. It is not recommended to have a baby in the last
trimester of your pregnancy to travel to a country where there is a major outbreak of chikungunya. Your
cannot infect other people themselves.
Chikungunya is very similar to flu with fever, headache, muscle and back pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also
you get a skin rash and pain in the joints. These disease symptoms usually subside after one week to
three weeks go away again. Joint pain, however, can sometimes last for months to years. Death occurs
hardly ever occur. Once you are well again, you cannot get sick with chikungunya virus again.
Dengue: how do you get it and what do you notice?
Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is caused by the dengue virus. You can catch the disease
get if you are stung by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus. These mosquitoes mainly sting between
sunrise and sunset. You can also pass on dengue during pregnancy to your
unborn baby. You cannot infect other people yourself.
There are 4 types of dengue virus. After going through one type, you are protected for life
against that virus type (e.g. type 2). After this infection, you can get dengue again by
any of the other virus types (e.g. types 1, 3 and 4).
Dengue is very similar to the flu with fever, headache (behind the eyes) and muscle and joint pain. After a few
days you may develop a skin rash. Very occasionally, the disease progresses severely with high fever and bleeding in
the skin and organs. Hospitalisation may then be necessary. The risk of serious illness is slightly increased
If you have already experienced dengue once. There is also greater risk of severe dengue in young
children, elderly and pregnant.
Zika: how do you get it and what do you notice?
Zika is caused by the zika virus. You can get the disease if you are stung by a mosquito
which is infected with the zika virus. These mosquitoes mainly sting between sunrise and sunset.
The risk of contracting the zika virus is generally small. Most people have no or
few symptoms of this. One in five people do develop symptoms such as fever, inflammation of
mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis), painful joints and/or skin rash. The symptoms usually last
two to seven days. During pregnancy, an infection can have serious consequences for your
child; the risk of congenital anomalies, such as a too small head (microcephaly), is small.
Zika virus can sometimes also be transmitted through sexual contact as the virus can be found in semen
sit. The chance of infection in this way is very small. To reduce the chances of infection in this
way even smaller you can use a condom. Men are advised to
use a condom for two months after returning from an area with a zika outbreak
use when having sexual contact with a pregnant partner or a partner with a desire to have children. This applies
also for men who have tested positive for the zika virus. Because the risk of zika virus infection over
is generally small, in the Netherlands you are not routinely tested for zika when returning from a country
where the zika virus is present.
Pregnancy or pregnancy wish
In countries where chikungunya, dengue and zika are prevalent, other diseases such as
malaria or the Oropouche virus. During pregnancy, these diseases can also pose additional risks
give. If you are pregnant or have a desire to have children, discuss your plans for departure with a
traveller's advisor. That way, you can make a well-informed decision on whether to make the trip or have a pregnancy
want to delay. See also the leaflet: ‘Pregnant and travelling’.
How can you prevent chikungunya, dengue and zika?
Protect yourself from mosquito bites during the day:
- To prevent mosquito bites, cover the skin during the day as much as possible with loose-fitting
clothing (long sleeves and trouser legs, socks and closed shoes). - During the day, use mosquito repellent containing DEET for non-covered
body parts in areas where these diseases are prevalent. This also applies to pregnant
women. Do you also use sunscreen? Apply sunscreen first, leave it on for 30 minutes
soak in and then apply the DEET. See also the leaflet ‘Mosquito repellent when travelling’.
Vaccination
Chikungunya
A vaccine against chikungunya has been available in the Netherlands since April 2025. This vaccine can be given
be given to people aged 12 to 64. You will receive one injection.
Dengue
A vaccine against dengue has been available in the Netherlands since April 2023. This vaccine can be given
be given to persons aged 4 years and over. A full series consists of two injections. Three months after the
first injection follows a second injection.
Zika
There are no vaccines against zika.
For whom are chikungunya and dengue vaccines not suitable?
The vaccines against chikungunya and dengue are not administered to pregnant women, women who are
breastfeeding or people with (severe) immune disorders (e.g. due to medication).
Discuss with your traveller's advisor whether vaccination is possible. Can't get vaccinated
for example because of your age or because you are pregnant? Then protect yourself extra well against
mosquito bites.
In conclusion
In case of fever or other health problems, consult a doctor promptly. Do the same when you are back
in the Netherlands. In that case, always tell your (family) doctor that you have been abroad.
You can find where to get these diseases on the country advice page at www.lcr.nl.
For more information on disease states, see the ‘Diseases’ page at www.lcr.nl.
Download the leaflet below!
