Holidaymakers have been warned about the escalating risk of contracting serious illnesses abroad, with a significant surge in nasty infections among Brits returning home over the past year. The UK Health Security Agency has reported that tourists visiting some of the world’s most popular destinations are coming back to the UK carrying dangerous diseases.
The agency’s latest update reveals a dramatic rise in areas of concern, including dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Other alarming increases include cases of cholera, Zika, Chikungunya, and Rickettsial infections.
These illnesses can lead to severe health conditions, emphasising the importance for travellers to take necessary precautions to minimise health risks while overseas. Cases have been confirmed across the UK in individuals who had recently travelled abroad.
In 2023, there were 634 reported cases of dengue among returning travellers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, this figure skyrocketed to 904 infections in 2024 – the highest since records began in 2009.
Similarly, reports of chikungunya saw a substantial increase in 2024, more than doubling from 45 cases in 2023 to 112. Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency, has previously highlighted the rise in mosquito-borne infections following increased travel post-pandemic, advising: “As travel has increased following the lifting of travel restrictions during the pandemic, so have serious mosquito-borne infections. There are simple steps that people can take to reduce the risk of infections such as malaria, dengue and Zika. “
Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin and sleeping under a treated bed net. Plan ahead and visit the TravelHealthPro website to look up your destination and the latest health information and advice. Even if you have visited or lived in a country before, you will not have the same protection against infections as local people and are still at risk.”
Meanwhile, Dr Dipti Patel, Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, urged travellers to be proactive about their health: “If you are making plans to travel abroad this year, please take a moment to prioritise your health and plan ahead. Check the relevant country information pages on our website, TravelHealthPro, and ideally speak to your GP or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks ahead of travelling to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations and advice you need to ensure your trip is a happy and healthy one. When you return to the UK, if you feel unwell, seek medical attention and ensure you inform your healthcare provider that you have been travelling recently.”
Dengue cases in UK
Dengue, a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever often accompanied by severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. However, symptoms can range from mild or non-existent to severe.
In England Wales and Northern Ireland, 904 dengue cases were reported in 2024 with 454 cases (50.2%) female and 450 (49.8%) male. In 2024, where the travel history of the cases was known, highest were from Southern and South Eastern Asia, with India next, then South America, the Caribbean, and there was also a case who had been to Spain.
The UKHSA said: “This increase in imported dengue cases reflects a global dengue surge (15). According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), over 14 million cases and more than 10,00 dengue-related deaths were reported worldwide 2024 (16). The rise is driven by climate change, rising temperatures and flooding.”
Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. A vaccine is available but is only recommended for some travellers.
Cases of cholera may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, including acute, profuse watery diarrhoea (‘rice water stools’) and vomiting, leading to dehydration. Some infections may progress to severe disease, and in extreme cases may result in death if untreated.
In 2024, England, Wales and Northern Ireland saw a significant decrease in cholera cases, with only nine reported – a 36% drop from the previous year’s 14. All of these cases were confirmed, with those affected having travelled to Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Ghana and Iraq.
Rickettsial infections
Rickettsial infections, a group of bacterial diseases transmitted by ticks, mites, lice and fleas to animals including humans, dogs, cats and cattle, also made their presence felt. The incubation period typically ranges from six to 14 days post-infection, with symptoms varying from fever, myalgia, headache, dry cough to rash.
In 2024, there were 44 reported cases, with most patients having visited South Africa, and others India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Zika virus disease
Zika virus disease, a mosquito-borne illness spread by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, was another health concern. Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms, but those who do often experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, joint and muscle pain, rash, itching, conjunctivitis and swollen joints.
Serious complications are rare, but Zika virus infection can lead to congenital Zika Syndrome (characterised by microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications like Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
In 2024, a shocking surge in Zika virus cases was reported across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the number of cases doubling from 8 in 2023 to 16. The majority of these cases were linked to travel to Thailand, India, Seychelles or Singapore.
Malaria imported into the UK
Meanwhile, malaria continues to pose a significant threat to the UK, with the latest figures revealing a worrying increase in imported cases. In 2023, a staggering 2,106 cases of imported malaria were reported across the UK – a figure that represents a 26% increase on the 1,555 cases reported in 2022 and is 3% higher than the average annual number of 1,504 cases reported between 2014 and 2023.
This alarming figure marks the highest total number of cases seen in the UK since 2001, when the total case number exceeded 2,000. Tragically, six deaths were reported in 2023, mirroring the average annual number of deaths between 2014 and 2023.