More than 70 cases of chikungunya virus infection were reported in the UK in the first six months of 2025, more than twice the number reported last year. The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe joint pain and general weakness. It is usually found in Africa and South Asia, but British tourists are increasingly bringing the infection back from their travels.
Tourists at risk
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), all those who fell ill this year had returned from trips, mainly to India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Experts note that although fatalities are extremely rare, some patients experience joint pain for months or even years.
“There are no permanent carriers of the virus in the UK, so the risk of it spreading within the country is minimal,” doctors explain.
How to protect yourself while travelling
Experts recommend that tourists use repellents, wear closed clothing and sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide. Before travelling, it is worth checking the latest recommendations on the Travel Health Pro portal. For trips to regions with a high risk of infection, vaccination against chikungunya may be considered.
In addition, the first cases of infection with the Oropouche virus, which is usually found in Central and South America, have been detected in the UK. The infection is transmitted through the bites of small midges and causes fever, chills, severe headaches and muscle pain.
Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as the effect of the virus on pregnancy has not been sufficiently studied.
The rise in imported viral infections highlights the importance of careful travel planning and preventive measures. Even in the relatively safe environment of the UK, tourists remain vulnerable to viruses that are actively circulating abroad.
