This post was originally published on here
The UK Health Security Agency (UKSA) has warned holidaymakers to take precautions against mosquito bites after chikungunya infections rose from 112 to 160 cases
Health bosses have sounded the alarm for holidaymakers following a surge in infections connected to overseas travel. Tourists are being advised to shield themselves from mosquito bites after fresh figures reveal a dramatic increase in chikungunya virus cases, which spreads through infected mosquito bites.
Medical authorities have also raised concerns about “persistently elevated” malaria levels, another disease transmitted via infected mosquito bites. However, there was a notable drop in dengue cases.
The latest report on travel-related infections from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that chikungunya infections jumped 43% in 2025.
UKHSA confirmed that chikungunya cases across England, Wales and Northern Ireland climbed to 160 in 2025, rising from 112 in 2024. Most cases involved travel to Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
The disease triggers fever and excruciating joint pain, joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Dengue cases dropped to 344, falling from 904 in 2024.
Separate preliminary data on imported malaria cases in the UK indicate there were 1,629 cases in 2025. While this represents a decline from the 1,812 reported in 2024, officials emphasised that imported malaria cases “consistently remain at high levels in the UK”.
Malaria is a potentially fatal infection transmitted by mosquitoes found in certain regions of the world. Symptoms can encompass fever, chills, headache fatigue, confusion, seizures and difficulty breathing.
Dr Philip Veal, a public health consultant at UKHSA, warned: “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.
“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.
“So it is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling.”
Dr Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, advised: “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.
“Before you travel, check the Travel Health Pro website for the latest advice on your destination.
“If chikungunya is a risk at your destination, you may wish to discuss the suitability of chikungunya vaccination with a travel health clinic.”
