New 'high infection' warning issued to Brits planning on travelling abroad
The UK's health authority has issued a warning to Brits planning to travel abroad this summer and beyond, following a surge in cases of enteric fever - typhoid and paratyphoid fever - across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 2024, there were 702 reported cases, marking an 8% increase from the previous year (645 cases).
The data comes courtesy of the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), which noted that these figures represent the highest number of annual cases recorded thus far. Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are serious illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria, typically contracted through contaminated food or water.
The UKHSA explained that most cases of enteric fever in the UK are acquired overseas, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene standards. It also highlighted a worrying rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan, which diminishes the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, thereby complicating treatment and increasing the risk of complications.
For some travellers, a free typhoid vaccination is available at GP surgeries, although no vaccine currently exists for paratyphoid. The UKHSA also shed light on the latest data concerning imported malaria cases, which it described as "remaining at concerning levels in the UK despite a slight decrease in diagnoses to 1,812 in 2024 from 2,106 in 2023".
Malaria and dengue cases
It added that the figures "significantly exceed the levels seen in recent years". Most cases were reported during peak summer travel months between July and October. Malaria is potentially fatal, but almost entirely preventable when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly.
There were fewer imported dengue cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 65 cases in the first three months of 2025 compared to 254 cases in 2024 – mostly linked to travel to Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia. Dengue cases have increased substantially globally over the past five years, with exceptionally high levels in 2023 and 2024, and the sustained transmission of dengue is an ongoing global health challenge, the UKHSA said.
Dr Philip Veal, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: 'We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers. It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you're visiting friends and relatives abroad or it's somewhere you visit often.
"The Travel Health Pro website has information on how to keep yourself and family healthy, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip.'
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