The UK has seen a 71% surge in cases of a potentially deadly infection brought back by holidaymakers over the past year. A concerning report from the UK Health Security Agency and Travel Health and International Health Regulations team in the Clinical and Emerging Infections Directorate revealed a significant increase in people contracting Chikungunya.
This mosquito-borne disease is transmitted via the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, originating from the Flaviviridae family. Symptoms typically begin with a sudden fever and joint pain, varying in severity and potentially lasting for months.
Serious complications are rare but can be fatal in older individuals with underlying health conditions. Chikungunya primarily occurs in Africa and Asia, particularly Southern Asia, though cases have been reported in parts of Europe and North America.
Between January and June 2024, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland reported 24 cases of Chikungunya, with 9 confirmed and 15 probable. This marks a 71% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 14 cases (2 confirmed and 12 probable).
Most individuals infected with the chikungunya virus will exhibit symptoms, typically appearing 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms include fever and joint pain, but others may experience headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, or a rash.
Those at greater risk of severe disease include newborns infected around birth, older adults (≥65 years), and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Most patients recover within a week, although severe and disabling joint pain can persist for months.
Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief to alleviate some symptoms. Medicines like acetaminophen or paracetamol are recommended to reduce fever and pain.
However, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, should be avoided until dengue is ruled out to minimise the risk of bleeding. According to a UKHSA report, travel history was known for 23 out of 24 cases this year (2024), with the majority reporting travel to Southern Asia (12, 52%), followed by South-Eastern Asia (6, 26%) and South America (5, 22%).
India and Brazil were the most frequently reported countries of travel.
