Chikungunya cases rise in England

A practical look at avoiding bites while noting a rise in chikungunya among travelers returning to the UK.

Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites and Watch Chikungunya Risk

Summer evenings outside are a simple pleasure, but they come with insect company. The article explains how mosquitoes target people at dusk and, in warmer places, at dawn, using cues such as carbon dioxide, heat and scent. It advises practical steps: cover up, avoid heavy fragrances, and choose proven repellents. It also cautions against relying on citronella candles, which can emit CO2 that attracts mosquitoes, and it emphasizes that DEET-based products remain among the most reliable options for protection.

Public health data alongside advice for bites abroad shapes the piece’s tone. The UK Health Security Agency reports a threefold increase in chikungunya cases among travelers returning to England in the first half of this year, though the illness remains rare compared with malaria. The guidance covers not just repellents but also medical steps for bites, such as hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines, and notes that antibiotics are often over-prescribed for skin reactions. It also highlights how individual responses to bites vary with prior exposure, and it reminds readers that prevention is a daily choice, even at home.

There is a careful balance in this piece between enjoying the outdoors and guarding health. It leans on concrete findings—like the superior protection offered by DEET over citronella—to build credibility while avoiding alarmism. Yet the overall message risks conflating personal care products with public health outcomes. The rising chikungunya data adds urgency to travel health messaging, underscoring the need for clear, practical guidance that is accessible to a broad audience. Climate and behavior shifts could extend mosquito activity, making prevention a year‑round concern in some regions.

Highlights

Outdoor life can stay enjoyable with informed choices and simple protections.