Chikungunya cases rise in UK

UK health authorities report a spike in chikungunya among travelers and the first UK cases of oropouche virus, prompting renewed focus on prevention.

UK Faces Rising Chikungunya Cases with Oropouche Virus Detection

UK health authorities say cases of chikungunya among people returning from abroad have more than doubled in the first half of 2025, with 73 cases reported from January to June, compared with 27 in the same period last year. The UK Health Security Agency also confirmed three cases of oropouche virus, marking the first time the virus has appeared in the country. Most chikungunya cases involved travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, linked to outbreaks in the Indian Ocean region.

Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and brings fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea and rash. Joint pain can linger for months or even years. Oropouche virus is spread mainly by midges and can produce similar symptoms, making travel history important for diagnosis. UK health bodies advise people who feel unwell after travel to seek urgent medical advice. Vaccines for chikungunya exist and are available privately through travel clinics after a clinician assessment, while prevention focuses on bite protection, screens for windows and doors, avoiding peak bite times, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.

The rise signals how climate and movement are reshaping health risk. More warm seasons and crowded cities can expand mosquito and midge habitats, increasing exposure for travelers and residents alike. Health officials stress simple steps over drama: repellent, protective clothing and physical barriers reduce bite risk, while awareness of symptoms prompts quicker care and containment. The appearance of oropouche in the UK, alongside chikungunya, underlines the need for stronger surveillance and rapid diagnostic capacity so outbreaks are caught early rather than spiraling.

Highlights

Ongoing vigilance is essential as travel patterns evolve.