Dengue Fever Cases Rise as Russian Travelers Bring Virus Back Home

Russian tourists have inadvertently brought dengue fever into the country 127 times since the start of the year, according to Rospotrebnadzor, the national consumer protection agency. Fortunately, officials assure that the risk of the virus spreading within Russia remains low. Globally, the first six months of 2026 have seen approximately 1.4 million cases of dengue fever reported in 68 countries. The virus is particularly prevalent in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador, as well as Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Maldives. In light of this, Russian travelers planning trips to these nations are advised to take precautions, including using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and light-colored pants, and installing mosquito nets on windows and doors in their accommodations. Avoiding marshy areas is also recommended. This warning comes after a Russian woman contracted dengue fever during a trip to South Africa, where she visited Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls, and was bitten by infected mosquitoes. By taking simple preventive measures, travelers can minimize their risk of contracting this serious virus.