Rise in UK chikungunya cases
New figures show an increase in travel-related chikungunya cases among UK residents
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released this month shows a significant rise in travel-related chikungunya cases in the UK. Between January and June this year, 73 cases were reported, up from 27 during the same period in 2024, marking the highest number recorded for this time frame to date. All cases were reported in England, with London accounting for the majority.
Most cases were linked to travel to Indian Ocean countries experiencing ongoing outbreaks, including Sri Lanka, India, and Mauritius.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. It can cause high fever, rash, headache, and severe joint pain. As the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are not present in the UK, there is no risk of further spread within the country.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, commented: “Chikungunya can be a nasty disease, and we’re seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. While it is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may persist for months or longer.”
He urged travellers to take precautions when visiting high-risk areas, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, checking travel advice, and considering vaccination.
The report also highlights the first cases of Oropouche virus in the UK, with all three confirmed infections linked to travel to Brazil. The virus is primarily transmitted by Culicoides midges and some mosquito species in tropical regions of South and Central America. Infection can cause Oropouche fever, characterised by sudden fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash; most cases are mild, lasting up to a week. As with chikungunya, the specific vectors that spread Oropouche virus are not present in the UK, so there is no risk of local transmission.
So far this year, over 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus have been reported in China.