Painful infection that can last for months soaring among Brits returning from holidays
The UK Health Security Agency released a report revealing a big rise in cases this year
Cases of a potentially deadly infection brought back to the UK by holidaymakers have surged by 71% in the past year. A concerning report from the UK Health Security Agency and Travel Health and International Health Regulations team in the Clinical and Emerging Infections Directorate revealed a significant increase in people contracting Chikungunya.
This mosquito-borne infection is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito and is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. Symptoms usually start with a sudden onset of fever and joint pain (arthralgia), but can vary in severity and potentially last for months.
Serious complications are rare, but in older individuals, the disease can contribute to death, especially if there are other underlying illnesses. Chikungunya primarily occurs in Africa, Asia, particularly Southern Asia, although cases have been reported in parts of Europe and North America.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there were 24 reported cases of chikungunya between January and June 2024. Of these, 9 (38%) were confirmed and 15 (62%) were probable cases.
This represents a 71% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 14 cases (2 confirmed and 12 probable). Most individuals infected with the chikungunya virus will exhibit symptoms, typically appearing 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms include fever and joint pain, but others may experience headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, or a rash.
Those at greater risk of severe disease include newborns infected around birth, older adults (≥65 years), and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Most patients recover within a week, although severe and disabling joint pain can persist for months.
Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. Medicines like acetaminophen or paracetamol are recommended to alleviate fever and pain.
However, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, should be avoided until dengue is ruled out to minimise the risk of bleeding. According to a UKHSA report, travel history was known for 23 out of 24 cases this year (2024), with the majority reporting travel to Southern Asia (12, 52%), followed by South-Eastern Asia (6, 26%) and South America (5, 22%).
India and Brazil were the most frequently reported countries of travel.