Britons planning holidays abroad are being urged to take health precautions as new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals more than 1,000 travel-associated illnesses have been recorded so far in 2026. Cases include malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, and enteric fever.
Key Statistics from January to June 2026
Between January and June 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EWNI), the UKHSA reported: eight Zika virus cases, 59 chikungunya cases, 557 malaria cases (January to May), 287 enteric fever cases (typhoid and paratyphoid), and 137 dengue cases in England.
Zika Virus: Mild but Risky for Pregnant Women
Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes in parts of South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. While usually mild, it can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. Of the eight reported cases, Indonesia was the most common exposure country (four cases). Notably, only one travel-associated case linked to Indonesia had been reported between 2014 and 2025, occurring in 2024.
Chikungunya: Sudden Fever and Joint Pain
Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne infection, causes sudden fever and often severe joint pain. Fifty-nine cases were reported, with Sri Lanka being the most common travel destination (18 cases).
Malaria: Serious and Potentially Fatal
Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes in many tropical regions. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can be fatal. From January to May 2026, 557 cases were reported in EWNI.
Enteric Fever: Spread Through Contaminated Food or Water
Enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid) is caused by bacteria in unclean food or water. It can lead to severe complications if untreated. A total of 287 travel-associated cases were reported, with the highest numbers typically occurring between May and October.
Dengue Fever: Common in South-East Asia
Dengue fever, also mosquito-borne, is usually mild and resolves on its own. However, severe cases can occur. England reported 137 cases, with South-East Asia and South Asia as the most common exposure regions. Thailand accounted for 27 cases and the Maldives for 19.
Expert Advice from UKHSA
Dr. Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist and head of travel health at UKHSA, emphasised: “Summer is a popular time to travel – don’t let illness spoil your holidays. Good preparation and planning is important for a safe and enjoyable trip. Check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health advice for your destination, including which vaccines you may need and any important medications, such as antimalarial tablets. To protect against mosquito borne infections use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under a treated bed net where needed. For enteric fever and other stomach bugs make sure you take good food and water hygiene precautions. Even if you have visited a country before, you do not have the same level of natural protection against infections as permanent residents, so it is important to take precautions every time you travel. And if you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a doctor, nurse or local travel clinic before planning your trip.”
Practical Steps for Safe Travel
To reduce the risk of illness abroad, UKHSA recommends: getting vaccinated against diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis A; taking malaria tablets if visiting high-risk areas; using insect repellent containing DEET; covering exposed skin during dawn and dusk; sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets; practising good food and water hygiene by drinking bottled or boiled water and avoiding raw or undercooked foods; and seeking pre-travel advice from a healthcare professional, especially for pregnant women or those with underlying health conditions.
