Dengue was diagnosed in two teenage patients at the Saint John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Krakow. The young people, who had recently returned from exotic vacations in tropical countries, presented at the department with high fever. Thanks to the rapid diagnosis by specialists from the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Hepatology, appropriate treatment was implemented. The patients' condition is stable, and the disease is following a mild course.

Hospitalization of two teenagers

Two young patients with high fever after returning from holidays in the tropics were admitted to a hospital in Krakow.

Rapid diagnosis of dengue

Thanks to tests in the department headed by Dr. Anna Rzucidło-Hymczak, the dengue virus was confirmed, which helped avoid severe complications in the patients.

Appeal to travelers

Doctors appeal for vigilance and the use of prophylaxis against mosquitoes during stays in countries with a hot climate.

In mid-February 2026, two teenagers showing concerning symptoms after returning from abroad were admitted to the Saint John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Krakow. The patients primarily exhibited intense fever, which prompted doctors to conduct detailed tests for exotic diseases. Specialists from the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Hepatology, headed by Dr. Anna Rzucidło-Hymczak, quickly identified the cause of the ailments. Molecular and serological tests confirmed infection with dengue. Dengue is one of the fastest-spreading tropical diseases in the world. According to World Health Organization data, the number of cases has increased eightfold over the past two decades, linked to climate warming and facilitated transport of goods.The hospitalization of the teenagers was necessary due to the risk of complications, even though the initial course of the infection was described as relatively mild. The hospital emphasizes that diagnosing such a rare disease in Poland was possible thanks to high clinical vigilance and the experience of the medical team. Currently, the patients are under constant observation, and their condition does not pose an immediate life threat. Doctors used this event to appeal to people planning trips to tropical regions to use appropriate prophylaxis, including repellents and protective clothing. The diagnosis of tropical diseases in Poland is becoming an increasingly important element of the healthcare system in the era of global tourism. „The disease in patients with fever was recognized thanks to clinical vigilance and rapid diagnosis by specialists working in our department.” — Dr. Anna Rzucidło-HymczakIt is worth noting that dengue is not transmitted directly from person to person, so the patients do not pose an epidemiological threat to others in the facility. The key vector remains infected insects, which are found mainly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Doctors remind that any case of fever after returning from exotic regions should be consulted with a travel medicine doctor or an infectious disease specialist.

Mentioned People

  • Anna Rzucidło-Hymczak — Head of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Hepatology at the Saint John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Krakow.