Dengue, chikungunya, Zika: mosquito protection when travelling

Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mainly during the day and are especially common in tropical and subtropical towns and cities. The most important protection is therefore consistent mosquito protection all day, not just in the evening. Vaccines play only a supporting role: STIKO recommends dengue vaccination only after a previous dengue infection, chikungunya vaccination only in specific situations, and there is no vaccine against Zika.

Three diseases, one carrier

All three viruses are spread mainly by the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and, in some regions, by the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. According to STIKO and DTG, these mosquitoes are active by day but also at night and breed in small pools of water near homes, such as flower pots, cans or old tyres. The risk rises during and after the rainy season and during outbreaks.

	Dengue	Chikungunya	Zika
Typical symptoms	sudden high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash	high fever, severe joint pain, rash	often mild or none, fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis
Time to first symptoms (Federal Foreign Office)	usually 3 to 14 days	about 2 to 12 days	3 to 14 days
Particular risks	severe illness mainly with a second infection	joint pain can last for months	birth defects if infected during pregnancy
Vaccination according to STIKO	only after a previous confirmed dengue infection	for certain travellers aged 12 and over	no vaccine available

Dengue

According to the WHO, about half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections each year. STIKO and DTG report that dengue is the leading cause of fever in travellers returning to Germany from South East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Reported cases among travellers rose from 288 in 2011 to 1,717 in 2024. Most infections are mild, and severe illness and deaths are very rare among travellers. There is no specific treatment.

Chikungunya

According to the German Federal Foreign Office, chikungunya occurs in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America and has also been diagnosed in southern Europe. Severe cases are rare, but recovery can take months.

Zika

Zika is usually mild or causes no symptoms at all. Infection during pregnancy is the danger, as it can cause birth defects. The virus can also be transmitted sexually. There is neither a vaccine nor preventive medication.

How to avoid mosquito bites

Because Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day and in cities, protection in the evening alone is not enough. The Federal Foreign Office, STIKO and DTG recommend:

• Repellent on all exposed skin, especially ankles and neck. Products containing DEET or icaridin are the best tested. Reapply as directed on the pack, more often if you sweat or swim. For children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, follow the product guidance.
• Sunscreen first, then repellent. Let the sunscreen sink in and apply repellent afterwards.
• Long, light-coloured clothing during the day too, ideally treated with insecticide. Apply repellent where clothing ends.
• Mosquito net for daytime naps and for small children during the day.
• Air-conditioned rooms and window screens reduce bites.
• Take enough with you, as effective repellents are not always available at your destination.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, repellent wristbands, ultrasonic devices, UV light traps, garlic and vitamin supplements do not work. In malaria areas, the advice in our guide to malaria prevention also applies.

Vaccinations: who they are for

Dengue: STIKO recommends the travel vaccine only for people aged 4 and over who have had a laboratory-confirmed dengue infection and are travelling to a dengue area with an increased risk, for example a longer stay or a current outbreak. For people without a previous infection it currently makes no general recommendation because the data are limited. According to STIKO the vaccine is not suitable while breastfeeding.

Chikungunya: STIKO recommends a travel vaccine for people aged 12 and over travelling to an area with a current outbreak, and for people aged 12 and over at higher risk of severe or long-lasting illness, for example those aged 60 or over or with a serious chronic condition, who plan to spend more than four weeks, or repeated short stays, in endemic areas.

Whether either vaccine is right for you is something to clarify at a travel health consultation. The travel vaccine check gives you a first assessment.

Zika, pregnancy and planning a family

The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women to weigh up travel during Zika outbreaks carefully and to postpone trips that can be avoided. Couples planning a pregnancy should consider the risks before booking and seek advice from a travel or tropical medicine service. Because the virus can be transmitted sexually, the Federal Foreign Office recommends condoms or abstinence after returning from a Zika area: for two months for women, three months for men, and for the whole pregnancy if a partner is pregnant.

Where to take extra care

Dengue, chikungunya and Zika occur in many popular long-haul destinations. Our country pages cover individual destinations, for example Thailand, Brazil or Sri Lanka. The Federal Foreign Office reports current outbreaks in its travel and safety advice.

Fever and after you return

If you develop a fever during or after your trip, see a doctor and mention where you have been. According to the Federal Foreign Office, malaria should always be ruled out if dengue is suspected. Drinking enough fluids matters, and blood-thinning painkillers should be avoided. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which remedies are suitable, see also our travel health kit checklist.

One point is often forgotten: STIKO and DTG recommend continuing consistent mosquito protection for 14 days after returning from dengue, chikungunya or Zika areas during the German mosquito season from summer to early autumn, even without symptoms. The Asian tiger mosquito is now found in parts of Germany, and this helps stop the viruses spreading locally.