UK Health Alert as Virus Cases Spike in Travellers from 25 Destinations
British health authorities have issued a stark warning to holidaymakers following a significant increase in cases of a debilitating virus among travellers returning from 25 popular destinations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged anyone planning trips abroad this Easter and spring to take enhanced precautions after detecting a major outbreak last year.
Sharp Increase in Chikungunya Infections
Official data reveals a concerning 43 per cent rise in chikungunya cases, with 160 infections reported during 2025 compared to 112 in the previous year. The majority of these cases occurred between April and September, highlighting the heightened risk during peak travel seasons. Of the 160 cases, 159 were reported in England and one in Wales, with London accounting for 56 per cent of infections, consistent with historical patterns.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness primarily associated with overseas travel. Key symptoms include sudden fever accompanied by severe joint pain. While most individuals recover fully within one to two weeks, the joint discomfort can persist for months or even years. Alarmingly, up to 12 per cent of patients continue to experience symptoms three years after initial infection.
High-Risk Destinations and Prevention Measures
All infections were travel-associated, with cases detected in individuals returning from:
- Sri Lanka (75 cases)
- India (17 cases)
- Bangladesh (16 cases)
- Mauritius, Somalia, Cuba, Madagascar, Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Philippines, Seychelles, South Africa, Vietnam, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Réunion, and Singapore
Serious complications are uncommon, but the disease can be fatal in rare instances, particularly affecting the very young, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
Expert Advice for Travellers
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, emphasised: "For some people, chikungunya can be a prolonged and nasty disease. We continue to see cases in travellers returning to the UK, particularly from parts of Asia and the Indian Ocean region. While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes. Thankfully, symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling."
Dr Dipti Patel, Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, added: "If you're travelling over Easter or spring, it's crucial to prepare before departure and take precautions against mosquito bites. Simple steps such as using DEET-based insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce risk. Before travelling, check the Travel Health Pro website for the latest destination advice. If chikungunya is a risk at your destination, you may wish to discuss the suitability of chikungunya vaccination with a travel health clinic."
Vaccination Options and Malaria Concerns
Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK and are available privately from travel clinics following a healthcare professional's assessment. Meanwhile, UKHSA published provisional data showing imported malaria cases remain at high levels, with 1,629 diagnoses in 2025, down slightly from 1,812 in 2024. Most malaria cases were reported between May and October.
Malaria is potentially fatal but almost entirely preventable when appropriate measures are taken. Travellers are reminded to seek and follow destination-specific advice, which may include antimalarial tablets and mosquito bite avoidance strategies. In countries with insects that spread diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika, protective measures include using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under treated bed nets.
