Health chiefs issue Tuesday afternoon statement as virus becomes 'significant concern'

People who are heading overseas are being warned of a virus that has "become a significant concern". Experts say while the virus is "not a household name" it is debilitating and while most people will recover within one to two weeks it can leave them with symptoms lasting years. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus. According to the World Health Organisation it is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, with large outbreaks and sporadic cases reported mostly in the Americas, Asia and Africa, and occasional smaller outbreaks in Europe. However, the number of travellers returning to the UK with the virus has soared over recent years. Figure show in 2024, there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya reported among travellers returning to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This was nearly one and a half times the number reported in 2023. The UKHSA said: "Travel to India accounted for the majority of these cases, followed by travel to Pakistan and Brazil – all popular destinations for people travelling from the UK. "There is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya in the UK, as there is no evidence of invasive species of mosquito established in the UK. While invasive mosquitoes could currently establish in parts of the UK, climate change is likely to increase suitability for these species." The warning has been reiterated byt the UKHSA North East. In a post on x on Tuesday afternoon it warned: "Chikungunya has become a concern for travellers to some international destinations. There is currently no onward transmission in the UK, but for those travelling to at risk countries our blog post offers the best advice on prevention and protection." The UKHSA has issues symptoms for people to look out for. It said: "The first symptoms of the disease are usually a high fever and severe joint pain, often more severe in the small joints or where there have been previous injuries. "Many patients also experience muscle pain, headaches , sensitivity to light, and distinctive skin rashes. While most people recover fully within 1 to 2 weeks, the joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases, with up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort 3 years after infection. "Serious complications are rare, occurring in approximately one in every 1,000 cases. However, certain groups face higher risks, including young babies, elderly people, and adults with underlying health conditions. Occasional complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been reported." According to the UKHSA there is no current specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, making prevention crucial for travellers. It advises: "The most effective approach involves rigorous mosquito bite prevention measures. "This includes using repellents containing DEET or picardin on exposed skin, and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. Use of insect repellents should be according to the manufacturer's instructions, and care should be taken for babies and young children. "Travellers should also be aware that these mosquitoes breed in standing water around human habitation. Avoiding areas with natural and artificial water containers can help reduce exposure risk. "Unlike some mosquito species that prefer rural areas, Aedes mosquitoes thrive in urban environments and often bite indoors, making hotel room precautions equally important." While two vaccines have recently been approved for UK travellers they are not yet listed in the green book. The UKHSA said: "IXCHIQ and Vimkunya have been shown to provide good protection against infection, however, their use requires careful consideration. As of July 2025, IXCHIQ should not be given to adults aged 60 years and older, and it's also not recommended for people with a history of thymus disorders."