UK Health Security Agency Sounds Alarm on Travel-Related Infections
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers following a significant rise in travel-associated infections, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes. New data reveals a troubling increase in cases of chikungunya virus, alongside consistently high levels of malaria, prompting urgent calls for travellers to take protective measures before and during their trips.
Sharp Rise in Chikungunya Cases Linked to Asian Travel
According to the latest UKHSA report, chikungunya infections in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland surged by 43% in 2025, with cases rising from 112 in 2024 to 160. The majority of these infections were linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquitoes, causes symptoms including fever, severe joint pain, swelling, muscle aches, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While rarely fatal, it can lead to prolonged discomfort, with joint pain potentially lasting for months or longer.
Dr Philip Veal, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, emphasised the severity of the disease, stating, "For some people, chikungunya can be a prolonged and nasty disease, and we continue to see cases in travellers returning to the UK, particularly from parts of Asia and the Indian Ocean region. It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling."
Malaria Remains a Persistent Threat Despite Slight Decline
Separate provisional figures show that imported malaria cases in the UK totalled 1,629 in 2025, down from 1,812 in 2024. However, health officials caution that malaria levels "consistently remain at high levels in the UK." Malaria, a life-threatening infection spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 95% of global cases, with high-risk countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dengue Cases Show Significant Decrease
In contrast to the rise in chikungunya, dengue fever cases saw a notable decline, dropping to 344 in 2025 from 904 in 2024. Dengue, also transmitted by mosquitoes, is widespread in urban areas, with current hotspots in 2026 including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Colombia, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. High-burden regions encompass the Americas, such as Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Expert Advice for Travellers Over Easter and Spring
Dr Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, urged travellers to prepare thoroughly before their journeys. "If you're travelling over Easter or spring, it's important that you prepare before you travel and take precautions against mosquito bites. Simple steps such as using a Deet-based insect repellent, covering up your skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk," she advised.
Dr Patel also recommended checking the Travel Health Pro website for the latest destination-specific advice and discussing the suitability of chikungunya vaccination with a travel health clinic if travelling to high-risk areas.
High-Risk Regions and Countries in Early 2026
As of early 2026, the breakdown of highest-risk regions for mosquito-borne diseases is as follows:
- Malaria: Primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the highest-risk area. Other notable regions include parts of South Asia (India, Pakistan), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Myanmar), and the Amazon basin in South America (Brazil, Colombia).
- Dengue Fever: Current hotspots include Vietnam, Bangladesh, Colombia, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. High-burden regions are the Americas and Southeast Asia, with urban areas like Bangkok and Rio de Janeiro posing significant risks.
- Chikungunya: Active outbreaks in 2026 are reported in Suriname and Bolivia, with high-risk countries including Brazil, Paraguay, and India. Emerging areas flagged by the CDC include the Seychelles, Mayotte, and Cuba.
Increasing Risk in Europe Due to Mosquito Expansion
The risk of catching these diseases in Europe has grown due to the expansion of the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), now established in over 13 European countries. Transmission typically occurs in summer and early autumn (July–October).
- Dengue and Chikungunya: France, particularly southern regions like Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Occitanie, is the primary hotspot, reporting hundreds of locally acquired cases in 2025. Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Greece also see sporadic cases, with Italy's Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Lombardy regions being significant red zones.
- Malaria: Locally transmitted cases in Europe are rare, with most incidents classified as "airport/seaport malaria," where mosquitoes hitchhike on planes or ships. Greece occasionally experiences small, contained outbreaks in rural agricultural areas.
Travellers are strongly advised to stay informed and take preventive measures to safeguard their health while abroad.
