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Health authorities have warned of a “worrying increase” in cases of a mosquito-borne infection in people returning to the UK from abroad.
A total of 73 cases of chikungunya were reported between January and June 2025 – more than double the 27 cases reported in the same period last year, the UK Health Agency (UKHSA) said.
Data released by the agency also revealed three cases of oropouche virus, marking the first time the virus has been reported in the UK.
Here is everything you need to know about both viruses, from symptoms to prevention and what could be behind the surge in cases.
What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name. It was first identified following an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952.
The name is derived from a word in the Tanzanian language Makonde, and means “that which bends up”, owing to the joint pain it can cause.
It is spread by mosquito bites, specifically from yellow fever and tiger mosquitoes, in tropical and subtropical regions.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms include fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue and a rash.
The UKHSA says joint pain can persist for months or even years, with up to 12% of people still experiencing discomfort three years after infection.
The majority of people who become infected recover within one to two weeks without needing medical attention.
Serious complications are uncommon, and only very rare cases are fatal. Babies or elderly people with other underlying illnesses are the most vulnerable.
The two mosquitoes known to transmit the disease, yellow fever and tiger, are not currently found in the UK.
How does oropouche virus differ?
Oropouche virus is spread predominantly by midge bites rather than mosquito bites.
While bites from both insects can cause red itchy lumps on the skin, mosquito bites are generally larger and more painful, while midge bites are smaller and may last…
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