Chikungunya It may not be the name of the furniture, but this mosquito -mediated virus infection has become a great concern for those who travel to some destinations. The name of the name in the chimacond (the language of the southern Tanzania) means the word that means ‘bending due to severe joint pain’. It has been spread all over the world in recent decades.
Chikungunya, first identified during the outbreak in Tanzania in 1952, was relatively included in some of Africa and Asia for many years. But this virus is now spreading into a new territory, influencing millions of people around the world. Major development has occurred in the Indian Ocean system, Caribbean, central, South America and the Pacific. Even gentle areas like France and Italy have experienced small but significant onset, and this year, there were significant onset in the alumni of China and France and the outside of the mallotte.
Chikungunya’s spreads may be due to climatic conditions and increased travel for mosquitoes.
Chikungunya’s British case
In 2024, 112 confirmation and possible cases were reported among travelers returning to the UK, Wales and North Ireland. It is almost 1.5 times and half the number reported in 2023, and after taking most of the incident, I traveled to Pakistan and Brazil.
There is no evidence of invasive species mosquitoes founded in the UK, so there is no risk of infection of Chikungunya in the UK. Invasion mosquitoes can be established in some of the UK, but climate change is likely to increase the suitability for these species.
How to spread
Chikungunya spreads through the bite bite of infected aedes mosquitoes, especially aedes AEGYPTI and AEDES ALBOPICTUS. Mosquitoes are natural, and abandoned items such as natural and human standing water and stagnant water, and abandoned items such as breeders and drainage, garbage, taporin, open buckets, garbage bins, plant pots and tires are a dangerous element of transmission if left around human residences. Unlike mosquitoes that Malaria, who work at night, are the most active during the day, especially at dusk and dawn. This timing is a problem for travelers working on weekly activities.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptoms of the disease are generally high fever and severe joint pain, often in small joints or more serious or previous injuries. Many patients also experience muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and unique skin rashes. Most people recover completely within one to two weeks, but joint pain can last for several months or years, and up to 12%of the patient can still experience discomfort after three years after infection.
Serious complications are rare and occur at about 1 case every 1,000. However, certain groups face higher risks, including young babies, the elderly and adults with basic health. Sometimes complications have been reported that affect the eye, nervous system, heart and digestive system.
Prevention and treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, so it is important for travelers. The most effective approach is associated with strict mosquito bite preventive measures. This includes using a slope containing DEET or PICARDIN on exposed skin and wearing a soft color of the light color that covers the arms and legs. The use of insect insects must be followed by the manufacturer’s instructions and should be careful for the baby and young children.
Travelers should also know that these mosquitoes breed in the water standing around the human residence. Avoiding areas with nature and artificial containers can help reduce the risk of exposure. Unlike some mosquito species that prefer rural areas Aedes Mosquitoes flourish in the urban environment and often ask indoors to make the prevention of the hotel room equally.
New vaccine option
Recently, two new vaccines have recently been approved for UK travelers.It is added to the green books used by medical professionals. IXCHIQ and VIMKUNYA have been shown to provide good protection for infections, but to use carefully considered. As of July 2025, Ixchiq should not be provided to adults aged 60 or older, and it is not recommended for those with troops of thyme disorders.
In the case of suitable candidates, visitors who visit Chikungunya visiting active areas, and travelers who visit the lab staff who are often transmitted or often with long -term travelers and viruses can consider vaccinations. VIMKUNYA can be provided to individuals over 12 years old, while IXCHIQ is suitable for individuals aged 18 and 59 years old.
How to solve the UKHSA threat
Some teams of Ukhsa play an important role in dealing with diseases such as Chikungunya. Our medical instrument and zoo ecological group (MEZE) advise the government for appropriate measures by monitoring and evaluating new and existing species and threats to public health. Emerging infections and zoos (EIZ) teams provide infectious disease intelligence, while rare and imported pathogenic laboratory (RIPL) Provide clinical advice and laboratory tests of samples. Travel Health Team collaborates with National Travel Health Network and Center (Nathnac) to convert all this information. Comprehensive advice for health professionals and the public.
I am looking for it in the future
Chikungunya’s fast global spread reflects an interconnected world where infected travelers can take care of their viruses in new areas. Climate change and urbanization are likely to bring Chikungunya to a new region by expanding the range of AEDES mosquitoes. The existence of a mosquito vector suitable for Europe means that traveling regularly in a climate disease area means that the risk of local transmission remains a true concern in temperate regions.
You can find information about the occurrence of diseases, including Chikungunya and national travel advice. Travel Health Pro website. Chikungunya is not fatal but lacks extended joint pain and lack of potential and certain treatment, which is very important to reduce the effects of this infection.
