First identified during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya remained relatively contained to parts of Africa and Asia for many years. However, the virus has now spread to new territories and is affecting millions of people worldwide. Major outbreaks have occurred in the Indian Ocean islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of the Pacific. Even temperate regions like France and Italy have experienced smaller but significant outbreaks, and this year there have been significant outbreaks in China and the French Outermost Regions of Reunion and Mayotte.
Chikungunya’s spread is likely due to favourable climatic conditions for mosquitoes and increased travel. In 2024, there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya reported among travellers returning to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – nearly one and a half times the number reported in 2023. Travel to India accounted for the majority of these cases, followed by travel to Pakistan and Brazil – all popular destinations for people travelling from the UK.
Read the GOV.UK post here
SWF Health & Social Care Group 