The UK has seen a 71% surge in cases of a potentially deadly infection brought back by holidaymakers over the past year, according to a concerning report from the UK Health Security Agency and Travel Health and International Health Regulations (TH and IHR) team in the Clinical and Emerging Infections Directorate. The report highlighted a significant increase in people contracting Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, originating from the Flaviviridae family.
Symptoms typically begin with a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain (arthralgia); however, symptoms vary in severity – but it can potentially last for months. Serious complications are uncommon, but, rarely, in older people the disease can contribute to the cause of death, particularly if there is other underlying illness.
Chikungunya mainly occurs in Africa, Asia and specifically in Southern Asia, although cases have been reported in parts of Europe and North America.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there were 24 chikungunya cases reported between January and June 2024. Of these, 9 (38%) were confirmed and 15 (62%) were probable cases.
This represents a 71% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 14 cases (2 confirmed and 12 probable). Most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms.
Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after an infected mosquito bites you. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
Symptoms of this condition can range from headaches and muscle pain to joint swelling or rashes. Those most at risk of severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults aged 65 and above, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
Most patients tend to recover within a week, although some may experience severe and disabling joint pain that could last for months. As for treatment, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief can alleviate some symptoms.
Medicines like acetaminophen or paracetamol are recommended to reduce fever and pain. However, people are advised against taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, until dengue has been ruled out to minimise the risk of bleeding.
According to a report by UKHSA, travel history was known for 23 out of 24 cases reported this year (2024), with the majority having travelled to Southern Asia (12, 52%), followed by South-Eastern Asia (6, 26%) and South America (5, 22%). The most frequently visited countries were India and Brazil.