What is chikungunya and how is it transmitted?

Chikungunya is a tropical virus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes, causing sudden high fever and severe joint pain.

What are the symptoms of chikungunya?

Symptoms include sudden, high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes, with joint pain potentially lasting for months.

Are there vaccines available for chikungunya in the UK?

Yes, two chikungunya vaccines have been approved for use and are available privately from UK travel clinics.

Home / Health / Chikungunya Surge: UK Faces Tropical Virus Threat

Chikungunya Surge: UK Faces Tropical Virus Threat

26 Mar

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Summary

Chikungunya cases in the UK surged by 43% last year, reaching highest levels since 2014.
The virus causes sudden high fever and severe, prolonged joint pain in infected individuals.
Two chikungunya vaccines are now available privately in the UK for travelers.

Chikungunya Surge: UK Faces Tropical Virus Threat

Cases of the chikungunya virus detected in the UK have seen a substantial increase, rising by 43% in the past year to reach their highest point since 2014. This tropical infection is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can lead to sudden, severe fever and debilitating joint pain that may persist for months, though it is rarely fatal.

Most chikungunya infections are acquired abroad between April and September, with India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh being frequently cited destinations. In response to the growing number of imported cases, two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for private use in the UK.