Hidden sign of deadly chikungunya virus sweeping UK that Brits often overlook

Cases of a deadly virus caught by Brits while abroad have tripled in the last year hitting record levels, according to worrying new government data.

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus once confined to tropical regions, has surged in the UK, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) now warning travellers to be cautious on holiday.

The mosquito-borne infection is linked to overseas travel, with symptoms including a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain. Most people recover fully within two weeks, but joint pain can persist for months or even years. Up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort three years later.

Serious complications are uncommon, but the disease can be fatal in very rare cases, especially if caught by the very young, old or those with other underlying illnesses.

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Dr Sunil Kumar, Lifestyle Medicine Lead Tutor at the WHO Collaborating Centre, explains that the infection is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, both of which bite during the day.

"The incubation period typically ranges from two to twelve days, most often three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito," Dr Kumar tells The Mirror. "Onset is abrupt, with a high fever - often above 39C - and severe, symmetrical joint pain, particularly in the hands, wrists, ankles, feet, and sometimes shoulders or hips."

Early and common symptoms

Alongside fever and joint pain, patients may experience headaches, muscle aches, joint swelling, and a maculopapular rash. Fatigue, nausea, and mild conjunctivitis are also reported.

But there are less obvious signs, too. "Some patients have mild eye inflammation, subtle lymph node swelling, or even slight confusion and sensory changes that can easily be overlooked," Dr Kumar adds.

"In rare cases, especially in infants, older adults, or those with other health conditions, we can see complications like uveitis, myocarditis, neuropathies, or even meningoencephalitis."

One of the biggest long-term concerns is persistent joint pain. Research shows up to 40 percent of patients in some outbreaks continued to have pain for months - even years - after recovery.

Why is chikungunya spreading so quickly?

New figures show that between January and June 2025, 73 cases of travel-associated chikungunya were recorded in England - almost three times the number in the same period last year (27 cases) and the highest on record for that timeframe.

Most patients had recently returned from Sri Lanka, India or Mauritius, where outbreaks are currently under way.

According to Dr Kumar, several factors are fuelling this spread:

• Climate change is expanding mosquito habitats and lengthening their breeding seasons.

• Global travel is introducing the virus to new regions via infected travellers.

• Urbanisation creates densely populated areas with poor mosquito control, ideal for outbreaks.

• Viral adaptation, including mutations like E1-A226V, has increased transmissibility through Aedes albopictus.

• Reduced public health surveillance has allowed outbreaks to escalate before detection.

"Warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and the mobility of people today have combined to make Chikungunya a global risk," Dr Kumar warns.

How it spreads

Transmission usually happens when a mosquito bites an infected person during their first week of illness and then bites someone else. Rare cases have been linked to blood transfusions, laboratory accidents, and mother-to-child transmission during birth.

There is no spread through respiratory droplets or casual contact.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for the illness. Care focuses on rest, hydration, and paracetamol for fever and pain, but Dr Kumar cautions against taking NSAIDs or aspirin until dengue is ruled out because of bleeding risks.

Chronic joint symptoms may require specialist rheumatologic care.

Two vaccines - IXCHIQ (for adults) and VIMKUNYA (for ages 12+) - have been approved but are not yet widely available. For now, prevention remains the strongest defence:

• Use insect repellents with DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients.

• Wear protective clothing.

• Sleep under bed nets and install window screens.

• Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

During major outbreaks, some countries have turned to mass spraying, biological controls, and even drones to target mosquito hotspots.

Dr Kumar says early diagnosis is crucial in treatment, adding: “If you develop sudden fever and joint pain after visiting or living in an affected area, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis not only helps in managing symptoms but also prevents further spread.”

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