Easter travelers are being advised to guard against mosquitoes following a rise in a tropical virus detected in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported a 43% increase in chikungunya virus cases last year, reaching the highest levels since 2014. This virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and leads to sudden high fever and severe joint pain that can persist for months, with fatal outcomes in rare instances.
Data indicates that the virus is usually contracted overseas between April and September, emphasizing the need for protection from insect bites during Easter and spring travel. While there was a slight decrease in malaria cases diagnosed in the UK in 2025, the numbers remain elevated.
Dr. Philip Veal, a public health consultant at the UKHSA, stated that chikungunya can result in prolonged illness, especially in travelers returning from Asian and Indian Ocean regions. Symptoms include joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes. Although rarely deadly, the infection can cause long-lasting joint pain, underscoring the importance of preventive measures against mosquito bites.
According to the latest UKHSA report on travel-related infections, there were 160 chikungunya cases reported in 2025, up from 112 the previous year, with many cases linked to travel to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Two chikungunya vaccines have been approved in the UK and are available through private travel clinics after a healthcare assessment.
Despite a drop in diagnoses of imported malaria in 2025, the cases remain high, with most reported between May and October. While malaria can be fatal, it is largely preventable through measures such as taking antimalarial tablets and following mosquito bite prevention strategies.
Dr. Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, emphasized the importance of preparing for travel over Easter and spring by taking precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and bed nets. Travelers are advised to check the Travel Health Pro website for destination-specific advice and consider chikungunya vaccination if traveling to high-risk areas.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are occasionally detected in the UK but do not establish breeding populations, eliminating the risk of local transmission. Travelers are urged to seek personalized advice from their general practice, pharmacist, or travel clinic four to six weeks before traveling.
