The UK has seen over 70 reported chikungunya virus cases in the first six months of this year, a significant increase compared to 27 cases in the same period last year, all linked to travel. This mosquito-borne virus can cause sudden fever and joint pain, which may last for years. Despite the low number of cases, the UK Health Security Agency warns travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites, emphasizing the importance of using insect repellent and possibly getting vaccinated before traveling to high-risk regions.
There has been a significant increase in the number of UK cases of a mosquito-borne virus that can cause sudden fever and joint pain and is normally only found in Africa and southern Asia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says more than 70 cases of the chikungunya virus were reported in the first six months of this year, more than double than in the same period last year.
Chikungunya, while rarely fatal, can leave people experiencing joint pain for years, and the infections were linked to travel in India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
Dr Philip Veal emphasizes the essential need for travellers to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
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