UK cases of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus more than double

There was a big enhance within the variety of UK instances of a mosquito-borne virus that may trigger sudden fever and joint ache and is generally solely present in Africa and southern Asia.The UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) says greater than 70 instances of the chikungunya virus have been reported within the first six months of this yr, greater than double than in the identical interval final yr – all of them linked to journey.Chikungunya, whereas hardly ever deadly, can go away individuals experiencing joint ache for years.The UKHSA is warning travellers to take precautions in opposition to mosquito bites.Normally, individuals get well totally inside a few weeks, however for some, ache can persist for months and even years. In very uncommon instances it may be deadly. Whereas the 73 infections seen within the UK within the first six months of this yr isn’t an enormous quantity, it’s greater than double the 27 instances over the identical interval final yr. An outbreak of the virus is beneath manner within the Indian Ocean area, and virtually the entire infections have been linked to journey in India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Chikungunya is unfold by two sorts of mosquito, neither of that are current within the UK, so there isn’t any danger on onward an infection. However Dr Philip Veal, Guide in Public Well being at UKHSA, says it’s a warning to travellers to verify they take precautions in opposition to mosquito bites.”Chikungunya could be a nasty illness and we’re seeing a worrying enhance in instances amongst travellers returning to the UK. “It’s important to take precautions in opposition to mosquito bites when travelling. “Easy steps, akin to utilizing insect repellent, protecting up your pores and skin and sleeping beneath insecticide-treated mattress nets can enormously scale back the chance. “Earlier than you journey, examine the Journey Well being Professional Web site for the most recent recommendation in your vacation spot. “A chikungunya vaccine may be thought-about for these travelling to higher-risk areas.”The identical report additionally says the primary ever UK instances of Oropouche virus, usually solely present in Central and South America and the Caribbean, have additionally been detected in travellers coming back from Brazil. This virus is predominantly unfold by midge bites slightly than mosquitos, with the principle kind of midge concerned in transmission not present in Europe or the UK.Signs embody excessive fever, chills, headache, joint ache and muscle aches.The UKHSA warns of an increase in Oropouche virus infections globally since 2024, and says pregnant travellers ought to take specific care following some considerations in regards to the affect the virus could cause throughout being pregnant.