The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data show an increase in travel-associated chikungunya cases in England. A total of 73 cases were reported between January and June 2025.
The same period in 2024 saw 27 cases. 2025 has the highest number of cases recorded in this period to date.
The figures are published as part of UKHSA’s Travel-associated infections report in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: January to June 2025 report, which also reveals 3 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, the joint pain can persist for months or even years. Up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort three years after infection. Serious complications are uncommon, but very rarely the disease can be fatal. This is particularly true for 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. This is because 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.
There are two chikungunya vaccines that have recently been approved for use in the UK based on The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI) advice.
Oropouche virus (OROV) is spread predominantly by midge bites rather than mosquito bites. The primary type of midge responsible for the outbreak in the Americas is not seen in the UK and Europe. If a person becomes unwell with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches following travel to affected areas, they should seek urgent medical advice.
There has been a rise in Oropouche virus infections globally since 2024, especially in multiple countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean, with Brazil reporting the largest outbreaks. Due to the increase in cases, and some recent concerns regarding Oropouche virus infection during pregnancy, pregnant travellers should take particular care.
The UKHSA’s Travel-associated Infections Report for the first six months of this year also shows:
- a significant increase in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK, 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
- 161 dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a 67% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 490 cases
- Zika virus disease cases also decreased to four cases in the first half of 2025, down from nine cases in 2024.