The 3 holiday hotspots with highest risk of deadly ‘suitcase viruses' that attack organs and cause ‘debilitating' pain
Holidaymakers travelling to three popular European destinations could be at risk of two deadly viruses.
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Mosquitoes carrying viruses can travel in suitcases, often unnoticed, and pose a risk of introducing diseases to new areas.
Two mosquito-borne viruses most prevalent at the moment, particularly for travellers returning to the UK, are dengue fever and chikungunya.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently warned of a "worrying increase in chikunyunga cases" among travellers returning to the UK.
Chikungunya virus is primarily spread to humans through the bite of infected aedes mosquitoes.
Described as a "nasty disease", it causes severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes.
While Chikungunya is generally not considered fatal, it can be in very rare cases, particularly among vulnerable populations like the very young, elderly, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
Most recently, there's been an outbreak in China, with 7,000 cases reported, mostly across the city of Foshan, in the southern province of Guangdong, sparking global fears.
In 2024, 904 dengue cases were recorded in returning travellers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland - up from 631 in 2023 - with all cases linked to travel abroad.
Like chikungunya, dengue fever is spread through the bite of infected aedes mosquitoes.
In its mild form, dengue fever causes fever and a rash and lasts about a week.
What is Chikungunya
Severe dengue can cause shock, internal bleeding, and death.
About one out of 20 people with dengue will develop severe dengue within a few hours after symptoms start.
To stop the number of cases of chikunyunga and dengue fever increasing, UK health officials recommend keeping up-to-date on health risks in different countries.
And a new report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has revealed the holiday hotspots in Europe with the highest number cases of chikunyunga and dengue fever currently.
Chikunyunga
Since the beginning of 2025, and as of August 13, two countries in Europe have reported cases of chikungunya - France and Italy.
So far, France has reported 111 cases of locally-acquired chikungunya in 22 different clusters.
And compared to the previous week, the number of cases has increased by 48 cases.
Areas in France where cases have been reported include Charente (five cases in one cluster), Côte-d'Or (one case in one cluster),
and Haute-Corse (two cases in one cluster).
Two new cases were reported in two new clusters in Alpes-Maritime
and a one new case in a new cluster in Isère.
The largest clusters are located in Vitrolles, with an increase of 20 cases in the last week, Grosseto-Prugna, Salon-de-Provence, Grans, and Lambesc, Castries, Poulx and Caveirac.
In the last week, Italy has reported five new cases in three new clusters - three cases in Modena and two cases in Verona
province.
Dengue fever
Since the beginning of this year up until now, dengue fever has also been reported in France and Italy - 11 cases in France, and four in Italy.
But Portugal has also reported two.
The are currently six clusters reported in France, located in Aubagne, and Bouches-du-Rhône.
In the last week, a new case has been reported in Vicenza province in Italy.
And the cases in Portugal, reported in January, were in Madeira, and probably transmitted in 2024, says the ECDC.
Is it safe to travel to these countries?
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It's considered safe to travel to Europe, including areas with reported chikungunya and dengue fever cases.
Most reported cases of the viruses in Europe are imported, meaning they are contracted by travellers returning from affected areas outside of Europe.
However, local transmission is increasing due to the spread of mosquitoes like the aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito).
So when travelling abroad it's crucial to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Follow the tips below...
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CHIKUNYUNGA AND DENGUE FEVER
PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent containing DEET, IR3535, or picaridin to exposed skin, following product label instructions.
Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during peak mosquito activity times (early morning and early evening).
Use mosquito nets: Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially in areas with poor window and door screening.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Consult a doctor or travel clinic: Before travelling to areas with known outbreaks, consult with a doctor or travel clinic for specific advice and potential vaccinations or preventative medications.
Consider vaccination: If travelling to high-risk areas, inquire about available vaccines for dengue or chikungunya.
OTHER IMPORTANT MEASURES
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on local mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and recommendations.
Be aware of symptoms: Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of chikungunya and dengue, including fever, joint pain, headache, and rash.
Seek medical care: If you develop symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.
Pregnant women: Pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as infection can be harmful to the fetus.
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