Some people who fall ill will suffer more than others
UK travellers have been warned(Image: Getty)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert to certain holidaymakers, with some told to avoid particular areas while abroad. It comes as cases of a rare disease have jumped up, as per the most recent figures.
UKHSA said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Are you, or someone you know, heading off on a tropical trip? It’s worth being aware of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe joint pain. Check out our blog post to learn how to stay protected.”
Further information within the blog explains that there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya reported among travellers returning to England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2024 – almost one and a half times the number reported in 2023. UKHSA added: “Travel to India accounted for the majority of these cases, followed by travel to Pakistan and Brazil – all popular destinations for people travelling from the UK”.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between January 2025 and September 2025, chikungunya was responsible for 40 deaths in Europe, as well as some 115 deaths in the Americas. There are currently no targeted treatments available for chikungunya, so preventing mosquito bites is essential.
Recommended precautions include using repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, and wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing to cover your arms and legs. Mosquitoes breed in standing water around human habitation.
UKHSA is urging travellers to avoid “areas with natural and artificial water containers” to help reduce their risk of exposure. UKHSA guidance adds: “Unlike some mosquito species that prefer rural areas, Aedes mosquitoes thrive in urban environments and often bite indoors, making hotel room precautions equally important.”
Chikungunya symptoms
First symptoms are usually a high fever and severe joint pain, often worse in the small joints or where there have been previous injuries. Many who contract the virus also experience muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes.
Most people make a full recovery within a fortnight, though the joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases. Around one in every 1,000 people with the virus experience serious complications.
Young babies, elderly people, and those with underlying health conditions are more at risk of serious complications. UKHSA adds: “Occasional complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been reported.”
Before any overseas travel it is vital to check Foreign Office information, including any health precautions that need to be taken, here