Travelers are being advised to plan ahead and take precautions due to a surge in mosquito-borne infections like dengue and malaria, which have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cautioned that cases of these diseases have reached levels not seen since 2019. Dengue, while usually not severe, can pose serious risks in certain cases, presenting symptoms akin to flu. Meanwhile, malaria can induce fever, headaches, confusion, and muscle pains, and in severe instances, can be fatal. Importantly, neither infection can be transmitted from person to person.
The majority of registered cases in the UK were linked to individuals contracting the diseases during travel to Southern and South East Asia, particularly India. There was also a notable increase in cases from Central America and the Caribbean, as highlighted by the UKHSA.
Additionally, the UKHSA urged travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), particularly when traveling with children. They warned that returning from countries with high measles circulation could exacerbate outbreaks at home.