IBIZA – Germany has informed Spain of two outbreaks of dengue, which originated in Ibiza and affected six people who were on the island during the incubation period. One case has been confirmed and one case is suspected, along with four other cases that may be related to the outbreaks. The Spanish Ministry of Health also warns of a moderate risk of more infections between May and November.
It confirmed case concerns a 27-year-old woman who stayed in Ibiza in August 2022 with her partner and 14-month-old daughter. They developed all three symptoms on August 31, but only the mother was tested. The diagnosis of dengue was confirmed by the detection of specific IgM antibodies and viral antigens.
Another woman aged 37 is considered a possible case, as she traveled to Ibiza and visited the same place as the previous positive cases, along with her partner and 9-year-old son in October 2022. After arriving on the island on October 6, they all showed symptoms . The mother on October 13, the son on October 12 and a third person on October 15. Only the mother sought medical attention and the diagnosis of dengue was made by the detection of IgM antibodies alone.
A possible case from Mexico that showed symptoms from August 11 and was in the same locality as the two previously described cases between August 11 and August 31 was identified thanks to surveillance of imported positive cases.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito, better known as the Asian tiger mosquito, which can be found throughout the Spanish Mediterranean, in the Balearic Islands and in some parts of the interior and north of the country, is one of the potential carriers of dengue. The health agency’s Coordination Center for Emergencies and Health Alerts (CCAES) has reported that the mosquito was first detected in 2014 and has since been considered established throughout the island. Having become aware of these cases, the regional authorities have planned appropriate actions for surveillance and control, as well as communication and information to the population.
At present, the risk of new endemic cases of dengue in Ibiza is considered low due to the vector’s low activity, but will be moderate between May and November. The implementation of control actions aimed at reducing the density of these mosquitoes can reduce the danger.