Huge rise in Brits catching deadly organ-destroying virus on holiday
Cases of a deadly virus caught by Brits while abroad have tripled in the last year hitting record levels, government data shows.
The latest UK Health Security Agency figures show an increase in travel-associated chikungunya cases in England. A total of 73 cases were reported between January and June 2025. The same period in 2024 saw just 27 cases. This is the highest number of cases ever recorded in England.
The report which covers cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, reveals that there were also three cases of Oropouche virus in travellers arriving back in the UK. It was the first time Oropouche has been recorded here and all cases were associated with travel from Brazil. It comes after a pilot says he's found the location of Amelia Earhart's aircraft using Google Earth.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection related to overseas travel, with symptoms including a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain. Most people recover fully within two weeks, but joint pain can persist for months or even years. Up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort three years later.
Serious complications are uncommon, but the disease can be fatal in very rare cases, especially if caught by the very young, old or those with other underlying illnesses.
Of the 73 chikungunya cases, the majority reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, linked with ongoing local outbreaks in countries in the Indian Ocean region. All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London.
There are only two species of mosquito that transmit the disease and they are not established in the UK. This is because our climate is generally not suitable for their survival and breeding. There is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya in the UK, the UKHSA says.
There are two vaccines recently been approved for use in the UK based on The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI), to protect against chikungunya.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: "Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes.
"Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. 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."
Oropouche virus is spread predominantly by midge bites rather than mosquito bites. The primary type of midge responsible for the outbreak in the Americas is not seen in the UK and Europe. If a person becomes unwell with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches following travel to affected areas, they should seek urgent medical advice.
There has been a rise in Oropouche virus infections globally since 2024, especially in multiple countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean, with Brazil reporting the largest outbreaks.
Due to the increase in cases, and some recent concerns regarding Oropouche virus infection during pregnancy, pregnant travellers should take particular care.
The report also noted a significant increase in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK, with eight cases (compared to just one case in 2024) – most cases reported travel history to India and Ethiopia – with all Ethiopia-linked cases associated with an outbreak there.
There were 161 dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a 67% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 490 cases
Zika virus disease cases also decreased to four cases in the first half of 2025, down from 9 cases in 2024.
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