Travellers have been urged to take precautions after circumstances surged to a file excessive.
Measures equivalent to utilizing insect repellent can scale back danger of an infection (Picture: Getty)
Travellers heading abroad throughout the Easter break and spring journey interval have been urged to take precautions towards mosquito-borne infections. The UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) warned that whereas circumstances of dengue fever have fallen, chikungunya circumstances in England are at their highest level for greater than a decade. Malaria circumstances in returning travellers additionally stay at a excessive degree. Signs of chikungunya an infection embody a sudden onset of fever, often accompanied by joint ache.
Whereas most individuals get well absolutely inside one to 2 weeks, joint ache can persist for months and even years. In uncommon circumstances, the illness will be deadly, with the very younger, older adults and people with different underlying sicknesses at best danger. Dr Philip Veal, advisor in public well being at UKHSA, mentioned: “For some individuals chikungunya generally is a extended and nasty illness and we proceed to see circumstances in travellers returning to the UK, significantly from elements of Asia and the Indian Ocean area.
“Whereas this mosquito-borne an infection is never deadly, it may possibly trigger extreme joint and muscle ache, complications, sensitivity to gentle and pores and skin rashes.
“Fortunately, signs often enhance inside a couple of weeks, however joint ache might final for months or longer. So, it’s important to take precautions towards mosquito bites when travelling.”
A complete of 160 chikungunya infections have been reported in England and Wales in 2025, the best annual complete since 2014.
All infections have been linked to journey, with the bulk in individuals who had been to Sri Lanka (75 circumstances), India (17 circumstances) and Bangladesh (16 circumstances).
Some 1,629 circumstances of malaria have been recorded within the UK in 2025, down from from 1,812 in 2024.
Malaria and chikungunya virus are unfold by mosquitoes (Picture: Getty)
Dr Dipti Patel, director of the Nationwide Journey Well being Community and Centre, mentioned: “Should you’re travelling over Easter or spring, it’s essential that you simply put together earlier than you journey, and take precautions towards mosquito bites.
“Easy steps equivalent to utilizing a DEET primarily based insect repellent, covering-up your pores and skin and sleeping below insecticide-treated mattress nets can drastically scale back the danger.
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“Earlier than you journey, examine the Journey Well being Professional web site for the newest recommendation in your vacation spot.
“If chikungunya is a danger at your vacation spot, you might want to talk about the suitability of chikungunya vaccination with a journey well being clinic.”
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