Of the 73 chikungunya cases reported this year in England, the majority reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, linked with ongoing local outbreaks in countries in the Indian Ocean region

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

There has been a steep rise in travel-associated chikungunya cases in London this year, according to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.

A total of 73 cases were reported between January and June 2025 – a significant increase compared to the same period in 2024 (27 cases) and the highest number of cases recorded in this period to date. The largest proportion of cases in England were reported in London (58%), with an increase of 32 cases compared to the previous year.

Freshly released UKHSA data also reveals three cases of Oropouche virus in travellers returning to the UK. This is the first time the UK has reported Oropouche virus cases, with all cases associated with travel to Brazil.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection related to overseas travel, with symptoms including a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain. While most people recover fully within one to two weeks, joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases, with up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort three years after infection.

Very rarely the disease can be fatal, particularly in the very young, older individuals and those with other underlying illnesses.

Of the 73 chikungunya cases, the majority reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, linked with ongoing local outbreaks in countries in the Indian Ocean region. All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London.

There are only two species of mosquito that transmit the disease and they are not established in the UK at present, as our climate is generally not suitable for their survival and breeding. Therefore, there is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya in the UK.

Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK based on JCVI advice and are available to purchase, following an assessment by a healthcare professional, privately from travel clinics; IXCHIQ is available for individuals aged 18 to 59 years old, and Vimkunya is available for individuals 12 years and older.

Louise Bishop, consultant in health protection at UKHSA London, said: “London is a well-connected city globally and typically records higher numbers of travel-related infections than other regions in England.

“Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we’re seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes. Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer.

“It is essential for Londoners to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk. Before you travel, check the Travel Health Pro Website for the latest advice on your destination. A chikungunya vaccine may also be considered for those travelling to higher-risk regions.”

The UKHSA report also shows a significant increase in travel-associated cholera cases in first six months of 2025, with eight cases (compared to just one case in 2024). Most cases reported travel history to India and Ethiopia – with all Ethiopia-linked cases associated with an outbreak there.

However, there were 161 dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a 67% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 490 cases. London also had the largest proportion of cases (44%).

Zika virus disease cases also decreased to four cases in the first half of 2025, down from nine cases in 2024.

For more information, travellers are strongly advised to visit the Travel Health Pro website, supported by UKHSA, at least four to six weeks before travel

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