Holidaymakers Returning to the UK with Serious Illnesses: A Warning from the UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a strong warning as a result of serious illnesses that vacationers returning to the UK from popular destinations have been experiencing.

Rise in Illnesses Spread by mosquitoes

Concerning statistics show that mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are on the rise. These can result in serious illness, which emphasizes how crucial it is to take precautions to stay safe when traveling overseas.

An Increase in Dengue Cases

Visitors returning to Wales, England, and Northern Ireland reported 634 dengue cases in 2023. This is comparable to the 790 cases that were recorded in 2019 before the pandemic. The majority of these instances in 2023 were discovered in south-eastern and southern Asia, particularly India. However, because of recent outbreaks there, there has also been an increase in cases from the Caribbean and Central America.

Malaria is still a problem.

1,637 confirmed cases of malaria were reported in England between January and October 2023, which is comparable to pre-pandemic numbers. With over 249 million cases globally in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts a substantial increase in malaria cases worldwide.

The Zika risk remains.

Similar to the previous year, England reported eight cases of the Zika virus in 2023. While the number of cases of Zika in America has declined since the outbreak in 2016, pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women are still at risk.

Signs and safeguards

Symptoms of mosquito-borne infections can include fever, excruciating headaches, joint and muscular discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. We encourage travelers to cover exposed skin, apply insect repellent, and sleep under treated bed nets to reduce the danger. The TravelHealthPro website provides extensive advice on how to arrange international travel, including details on required vaccines and health concerns.

Professional Guidance

The UK Health Security Agency’s Dr. Philip Veal, a public health adviser, stresses the significance of protecting oneself from illnesses spread by mosquitoes. He advises taking precautions like using insect repellent and consulting the TravelHealthPro website for guidance prior to a trip.

Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, Dr. Dipti Patel, counsels travelers to put their health first by getting the recommended immunizations and medical guidance prior to their trip. People who feel ill should get medical help as soon as they get back to the UK and let medical professionals know about any recent travel history.