Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne tropical disease. Infections are no longer confined to (sub)tropical regions of the world, as vectors are rapidly spreading to new areas, including Europe. In Southern Europe, autochthonous cases are increasingly reported, whereas in the Netherlands, all reported dengue cases are still imported by travellers. In this article, we present a patient who developed dengue haemorrhagic fever following a reinfection with dengue virus, highlighting the potential for severe outcomes, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. We discuss the availability of dengue vaccination. While early diagnosis is important for providing appropriate supportive care, prevention remains the best approach, in which dengue vaccination can play a key role.