Cases of organ-destroying tropical virus being diagnosed in Britons have TRIPLED-are YOU at risk of catching chikungunya?
Chikungunya is classed as a tropical disease, and for the majority of people infected, it manifests as a sudden fever and severe pain in multiple joints.
The virus is spread to humans by bites from infected mosquitoes, and while the virus rarely proves fatal, it can severely damage organs and can lead to chronic disability.
Symptoms typically resolve within seven to 10 days, and most patients make a full recovery.
However, in some cases the joint pain and arthritis may persist for several months or even years.
Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
A small number of people may develop a severe version of the disease, which can lead to multiple organ failure and even death.
New figures released today by the UKHSA reveal that there have been 73 cases in 2025 so far—a record high for this period—and a near three-fold increase on 2024's figure of 23.
All cases were in people who have returned to the UK from abroad this year, with the majority reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius.
All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London.
The virus is spread to humans by bites from infected mosquitoes but it cannot be passed from person-to-person.
The UKHSA guidance states that there are only two types of mosquito who can carry the virus, which are unable to survive in the UK's climate.
This means that there is currently no risk of contracting the virus in the UK at present, but it can be found in parts of Southern Europe.
In a recent warning, Dr Philip Veal, a public health expert at the UK Health Security Agency said: 'Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK.
'It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk.
'Before you travel, check the Travel Health Pro Website for the latest advice on your destination. A chikungunya vaccine may also be considered for those travelling to higher-risk regions.'
There are currently two vaccinations which protect against the virus; IXCHIQ for those aged between 18 and 64 and Vimkunya for those 12 years and older.
In the UK, the vaccine is given to those who travel abroad to certain regions where the chikungunya virus is present.
Just last month, the World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action as cases of the virus exploded across the globe.
In recent weeks, Chinese officials reported 10,000 cases, with 7,000 in the southern city of Foshan, in the Guandong province—but they have not yet seen any deaths.
This surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks reported in the Indian Ocean islands of La Réunion, Mayotte and Mauritius—popular holiday destinations.
So far, globally, there have been 250,000 cases and 90 related deaths in 16 countries this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
In recent weeks other experts told the Daily Mail of precautionary measures to take when travelling to hot spots for the virus.
Professor Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, advised travellers to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Ideally, he added: 'They will be light coloured, so you can see if mosquitos have landed on you.'
In particular, he warned that it is a bad idea for women in late stages of pregnancy to travel to these destinations.
'If you get infected with it later on in the pregnancy, it can pose a risk to the baby,' he said. A 2021 study found infection just prior to delivery increases risk of transmission to the baby.
However, while concerning, experts have fortunately said it isn't going to be the next pandemic.
Professor Will Irving, a virology expert at the University of Nottingham told us: 'There have been equally large, if not larger outbreaks around the world prior to this one.'
However, he added: 'With climate change, the mosquitos are spreading, and there are reports of the mosquito being present in parts of Europe (France, Italy, Spain).'
Previously the virus was more commonly found in Asia, Africa and South America, but more recently cases have emerged in Europe and the US.
The chikungunya virus has also spread to Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya and India and is making its way to Europe.
Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati.
Meanwhile there have been 50 cases of chikungunya infections in the US this year, all contracted by travellers returning from high-risk areas, but still no deaths.
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