Health authorities are cautioning travelers following a surge in infections associated with travel. People embarking on trips are being advised to guard against mosquito bites as recent data reveals a notable increase in cases of the chikungunya virus, which is spread by infected mosquitoes.
In addition, health officials have raised concern over the sustained high levels of malaria, another disease transmitted through mosquito bites. However, there has been a marked decline in the number of dengue cases. The latest report on travel-related infections from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates a 43% rise in chikungunya infections in 2025.
According to UKHSA, chikungunya cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland climbed to 160 in 2025, up from 112 in 2024. The majority of reported cases involved travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.
Chikungunya infection manifests in symptoms such as fever, severe joint pain, joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Meanwhile, the number of dengue cases decreased to 344 from 904 in 2024. Data on imported malaria cases in the UK for 2025 show 1,629 cases.
Although this represents a decrease from the 1,812 cases reported in 2024, health officials stress that imported malaria cases remain consistently high in the UK. Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes present in certain global regions.
Dr. Philip Veal, a public health consultant at UKHSA, emphasized the prolonged and severe nature of chikungunya for some individuals, particularly those returning to the UK from parts of Asia and the Indian Ocean region. While rarely fatal, this mosquito-borne illness can cause intense joint and muscle pain, headaches, light sensitivity, and skin rashes. Fortunately, symptoms typically improve within weeks, though joint pain may persist for an extended period, underscoring the importance of preventing mosquito bites while traveling.
Dr. Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, advised travelers heading out over Easter or spring to make necessary preparations and take precautions against mosquito bites. Simple preventive measures like using insect repellents containing Deet, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under treated bed nets can significantly reduce the risk.
Before embarking on a trip, travelers are encouraged to check the Travel Health Pro website for updated advice on their destination. If chikungunya poses a threat at the intended location, discussing the suitability of chikungunya vaccination with a travel health clinic is recommended.
As of early 2026, the regions posing the highest risk and specific countries for each disease are as follows:
– Malaria is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical areas, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 95% of global cases.
– Dengue, the most widespread of the three diseases, is commonly found in urban and residential settings due to the preference of the Aedes mosquito for human habitats.
– Chikungunya outbreaks occur in waves and are currently surging in specific regions, overlapping with dengue-prone areas.
While Europe is not an endemic zone for these diseases like tropical regions, the risk of contracting them has risen in recent years due to the spread of the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
In Europe, the risk of encountering these diseases as of early 2026 is highest in 13 European countries where the Asian Tiger mosquito is established. Transmission typically occurs during the summer and early autumn months (July–October).
Contrary to tropical settings, malaria transmission in Europe rarely involves wild mosquitoes. Instead, cases fall into two specific categories.
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