Khaberni - Health authorities in the United Kingdom recorded a sharp and worrisome increase in cases of the tropical "Chikungunya" virus, as the latest data from the British Health Security Agency showed a 43% increase in travel-related cases in 2025, bringing infection rates to their highest ever levels in England.
The agency's annual report explained that the number of confirmed cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland rose to 160 in 2025, compared with only 112 cases the previous year.
Data indicated that the majority of those infected had recently returned from tourist trips to South Asian countries, specifically Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.
A disease that folds the body
The "Chikungunya" virus, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, is known for causing severe joint pain that forces sufferers to bend or "fold their bodies" due to the intensity of the pain.
The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, and its initial symptoms include:
High fever and severe joint pain (especially in the hands, wrists, and feet).
Muscle pain and severe headache.
Extreme sensitivity to light and a skin rash.
While most patients recover within two weeks, experts warn that 12% of those infected may suffer from joint pain for several months or even years. Although fatalities are rare, the virus poses a serious risk to children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.
Climate and the spread to Europe
The report confirmed that rising temperatures and increased travel have contributed to the spread of the virus to new areas, including popular European destinations such as France and Italy.
Research from the University of Glasgow indicated that the "tiger mosquito," responsible for transmitting the virus, is finding a suitable environment in the European continent, due to long, hot summers, threatening countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece for several months of the year.
Health guidelines for travelers
As the spring holidays and Easter approach, Dr. Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), emphasized the need to follow four basic precautions for prevention:
Use of insect repellents: Rely on products containing "DEET".
Covering the body: Wear clothing that covers the skin to reduce the chances of being bitten.
Protective nets: Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticides.
Planning ahead: Review travel tips through official sites and discuss vaccination possibilities with specialized clinics.
Besides Chikungunya, the authorities recorded 1629 cases of imported malaria in 2025, a number that remains "consistently high" despite a slight decrease from the previous year.
Meanwhile, cases of "dengue fever" saw a significant decline, dropping from 904 cases in 2024 to only 344 cases in 2025.
These indicators, according to experts, reflect a worrying shift in the map of mosquito-borne diseases, necessitating enhanced prevention measures, especially among travelers to infested areas.
