Latest news with #UKHealthandSecurityAgency
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
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.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New 'high infection levels' travel alert
Precautions are advised for Brits heading 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.' Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), said: "Most UK malaria cases occur in Black African people returning from travel to Africa. Community engagement of the African Diaspora in malaria prevention is crucial to reduce imported malaria in the UK. "The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) is leading this charge with our upcoming 'Africans Against Malaria' campaign. It will directly address the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that hinder malaria prevention uptake amongst the UK African diaspora and signpost where to obtain malaria chemoprophylaxis. Our focus is on community engagement and outreach, and we will be targeting African communities in London ahead of summer travel." Where and when to get travel health advice before a trip abroad The Travel Health Pro website, supported by UKHSA, has information on health risks in countries across the world. It is a one-stop shop for information to help people plan their trip abroad. Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least four to six weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant for their destination. Travellers who may be eligible for dengue vaccine should consult three to four months before travel. In countries with insects that spread diseases like dengue, malaria or Zika virus infection, travellers can protect themselves by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net where air conditioning is not available. It is also important for travellers to: ensure your routine childhood vaccines are up to date have any recommended travel-related vaccines stock up on necessary medications, including malaria prevention tablets get valid travel insurance to cover your entire trip and planned activities Along with typhoid, hepatitis A is another gastrointestinal infection that is spread through viral infection that affects the liver. The virus spreads through contaminated food or water, and through close contact with infected individuals. A hepatitis A vaccine is available from GPs and travel health clinics and is recommended for those visiting high-risk areas. To prevent the spread of hepatitis A, UKHSA recommends: Thorough handwashing – especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, helping children with toileting, and before preparing or eating food Regular cleaning of toilet seats and handles using standard household cleaning products Symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid Common symptoms of enteric fever include high temperature (39C to 40C), abdominal pain, headache and either constipation or diarrhoea. If left untreated, typhoid fever can pose a significant risk of serious complications. Cases diagnosed early usually recover after a seven-to-14-day course of treatment. Oropouche infections There has been a global rise in Oropouche infections since 2024. Oropouche virus (OROV) is mainly spread through midge bites, not mosquito bites. OROV is not spread by midge bites in the UK. Due to the increase in cases and concerns about infection during pregnancy, pregnant travellers should take extra care. There is also some evidence the virus might spread through sexual contact, as it has been found in the semen of an infected individual previously. To reduce the risk, travellers should consider using condoms or avoiding sexual contact during their trip and for six weeks after returning. Chikungunya cases The latest data show a rise in chikungunya cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Twenty-three cases were reported in the first quarter of 2025, nearly triple the number during the same period last year (eight cases), with most cases reporting travel to Sri Lanka. Zika virus In England, one Zika virus case was reported in a traveller who returned from India in January 2025. Although Zika virus cases are rare, the infection poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as it can be passed to the fetus. There is currently no drug or vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection. The only way to prevent infection is by minimising mosquito bites or by avoiding visiting regions with a known or potential Zika virus risk. Advice for pregnant women With careful preparation, most pregnant women can travel without experiencing health problems. Pregnant women should see their travel health advisor six to eight weeks before travel, although for those with less time an appointment is still worthwhile. Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing severe malaria and dying from malaria compared to non-pregnant women. If travel to a risk area is essential, careful insect bite avoidance is important, antimalarial tablets should be advised and prompt medical advice should be sought if symptoms of malaria occur.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
warning signs of Victorian era STI
There is concern after the latest data showed cases of syphilis had continued to rise 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest data on sexually transmitted infections (STI). Concerningly cases of syphilis, an STI most commonly associated with the Victorian era have continued to rise. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Cases of a Victorian era sexually transmitted infection (STI), are continuing to increase, latest data from the UKHSA has shown. Syphilis, is an STI that was once believed to be a thing of the past, however, cases are 'concerningly' on the rise in 2024, compared to 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Overall, there was a 2% rise (9,535) in diagnoses of early-stage syphilis in 2024 compared to 2023 (9,375), whilst 'concerningly', figures rose to 5% for late-stage syphilis, increasing from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners, particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners, either in the UK or overseas, get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that syphilis cases have continued to rise. |What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), that is passed on through unprotected sexual contact. Most commonly associated with the Victorian era, it is still prevalent, with cases 'concerningly', continue to rise in the UK. What are the symptoms of syphilis? Symptoms of syphilis can take up to three weeks to appear after being infected. They can be mild and come and go, but the infection will remain and you will be able to pass it on. This is why if you suspect you have syphilis or have symptoms it's important to get tested. The NHS explain symptoms of syphilis include: small sores (ulcers) on your penis, vagina, or around your bottom (anus) sores in other areas, including in your mouth or on your lips, hands or bottom white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body white patches in your mouth flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness swollen glands patchy hair loss on the head, beard and eyebrows Who is at risk of syphilis? You are at risk of syphilis if you have unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral), with someone who is infected with syphilis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The STI can also be passed onto unborn babies or can spread through injecting drugs with a needle that has been used by someone who is infected, in very rare cases it can also be passed on through blood or organ transplants, although in the UK all blood and organ donations are checked for syphilis. How is syphilis treated? Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, it's important not to engage in sexual contact until you have completed your treatment and had a test that has confirmed you are over the infection. If you have a partner, do not have sexual contact until they have also been treated and a test has confirmed they no longer have syphilis. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. This is why it's so important to seek treatment as soon as you suspect you have been exposed or have symptoms. STI testing is free, confidential and can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, your GP surgery, university and college medical centres or through self-sampling kits which can be sent discreetly through the post .
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
warning signs of Victorian era STI
There is concern after the latest data showed cases of syphilis had continued to rise 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest data on sexually transmitted infections (STI). Concerningly cases of syphilis, an STI most commonly associated with the Victorian era have continued to rise. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Cases of a Victorian era sexually transmitted infection (STI), are continuing to increase, latest data from the UKHSA has shown. Syphilis, is an STI that was once believed to be a thing of the past, however, cases are 'concerningly' on the rise in 2024, compared to 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Overall, there was a 2% rise (9,535) in diagnoses of early-stage syphilis in 2024 compared to 2023 (9,375), whilst 'concerningly', figures rose to 5% for late-stage syphilis, increasing from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners, particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners, either in the UK or overseas, get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that syphilis cases have continued to rise. |What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), that is passed on through unprotected sexual contact. Most commonly associated with the Victorian era, it is still prevalent, with cases 'concerningly', continue to rise in the UK. What are the symptoms of syphilis? Symptoms of syphilis can take up to three weeks to appear after being infected. They can be mild and come and go, but the infection will remain and you will be able to pass it on. This is why if you suspect you have syphilis or have symptoms it's important to get tested. The NHS explain symptoms of syphilis include: small sores (ulcers) on your penis, vagina, or around your bottom (anus) sores in other areas, including in your mouth or on your lips, hands or bottom white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body white patches in your mouth flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness swollen glands patchy hair loss on the head, beard and eyebrows Who is at risk of syphilis? You are at risk of syphilis if you have unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral), with someone who is infected with syphilis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The STI can also be passed onto unborn babies or can spread through injecting drugs with a needle that has been used by someone who is infected, in very rare cases it can also be passed on through blood or organ transplants, although in the UK all blood and organ donations are checked for syphilis. How is syphilis treated? Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, it's important not to engage in sexual contact until you have completed your treatment and had a test that has confirmed you are over the infection. If you have a partner, do not have sexual contact until they have also been treated and a test has confirmed they no longer have syphilis. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. This is why it's so important to seek treatment as soon as you suspect you have been exposed or have symptoms.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Norovirus symptoms in kids to look out for this half term
It has been described by the UKHSA as 'incredibly infectious' 🤢 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This half term children across the UK will be mixing with friends and family. Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that spreads easily through close contact. These are the symptoms parents should be aware of this half term. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), have issued a fresh plea in a post on social media for people to 'stay at home' if they have the symptoms of norovirus this half term. Children and parents across the UK will be mixing with friends and family this week as they welcome a break from school. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Norovirus, which is also known as the winter vomiting bug is a highly contagious stomach bug that spreads easily through close contact and is not killed by hand sanitiser gels. The latest statistics from the UKHSA show that the four-week period leading up to April 27, the total number of norovirus cases more than double (156.9%) the five-season average for the same four-week period. Norovirus activity remains high but has started to decrease in recent weeks. If you or your children have the symptoms of the 'highly infectious' stomach bug, you are being urged to 'stay home' to stop the spread. Norovirus can easily spread amongst children. | Pexels, MART PRODUCTION What is norovirus? Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is highly contagious and can easily spread throughout settings where people have close contact such as nurseries or schools. Young children and babies are at higher risk of developing complications and prolonged symptoms, which may require medical treatment, so it's important for parents to be aware of the tell-tale signs. How long does norovirus last? Norovirus, whilst unpleasant, generally doesn't last long, with symptoms in both children and adults usually starting to get better within two to three days. Norovirus is highly contagious, even if you have no symptoms you can still be infectious. To prevent infecting others the NHS recommend you stay at home and avoid sending the kids to nursery or school for 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of norovirus in children? The symptoms of norovirus in children can come on suddenly, they are the same as symptoms in adults, which can include: vomiting diarrhoea abdominal pain a high temperature headache aches and pains For those in vulnerable groups, such as young children and babies, norovirus can cause complications due to dehydration which may require medical treatment. It's important to keep children with norovirus hydrated and to look out for the signs of dehydration, which in children can include: feeling thirsty dark yellow, strong-smelling pee peeing less often than usual feeling dizzy or lightheaded feeling tired a dry mouth, lips and tongue sunken eyes And in babies can include: a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head sunken eyes few or no tears when they cry not having many wet nappies being drowsy or irritable How long is norovirus contagious? Norovirus has an incubation period of between 12 to 48 hours, with symptoms often coming on suddenly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Children are most infectious when they have symptoms, but it is possible to spread norovirus before and after symptoms have stopped. This is why the NHS advise children should stay at home and not attend school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped. Norovirus is easily spread through close contact, it cannot be killed by alcohol hand sanitisation gels, with children advised to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water to avoid catching it or spreading it to others.
