The chikungunya virus is spread by mosquito bites and can cause fever and joint pain
(Image: Getty Images)
A “nasty” disease which can cause pain for years is seeing a “worrying” rise, health experts warn.
The chikungunya virus is spread by mosquito bites and can cause fever and joint pain.
It has been spreading in southern China, with UK health authorities also reporting a surge in cases in the UK compared to last year.
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Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection linked to international travel, with symptoms including joint pain, swelling, muscle pain, nausea, a rash and fatigue.
These symptoms can frequently be misdiagnosed due to their resemblance to Dengue and the Zika virus.
Recent reports suggest nearly 10,000 cases have been documented in China, with the cities of Foshan and Guangzhou severely impacted.
It is thought a harsh monsoon this year has triggered flooding which transformed rainfall into pools of muddy and stagnant water, ideal conditions for mosquito breeding that has enabled the disease to proliferate.
Most individuals who contract chikungunya make a complete recovery within one to two weeks, but joint pain can continue for months or even years.
Up to 12 per cent of patients endure discomfort for three years following infection, reports the Mirror.
Severe complications are rare, but very occasionally the disease can prove fatal.
This is especially the case for the very young, elderly individuals and those with other underlying health conditions.
In England, a total of 73 cases were reported between January and June this year, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This represents a 170 per cent increase, significantly higher than the 27 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
Experts are also warning that climate change could lead to an increase in chikungunya cases in the future.
This is due to the expectation of more severe weather conditions, resulting in heavier rainfall, increased flooding, and thus creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
However, the climate, which is believed to be behind the rise in cases in China, is one reason why chikungunya is unlikely to spread much further in the UK.
“There are only two species of mosquito that transmit the disease and they are not established in the UK at present,” explains the UKHSA.
“This is because our climate is generally not suitable for their survival and breeding.
“Therefore, there is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya in the UK.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the outbreak in China, the UKHSA also stated that out of the 73 cases, the majority had reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius “linked with ongoing local outbreaks in countries in the Indian Ocean region”.
Every single case was reported in England, with most of them in London.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, described chikungunya as a “nasty disease” and expressed concern over the “we’re seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK”.
He said: “While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes.
“Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer.”
Dr Veal encouraged travellers to take steps to prevent mosquito bites when journeying overseas, especially in affected regions.
“In the US, where 46 travel-related cases have been recorded in 2025, the Centres from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 travel warning for Guangdong Province in China.
Two chikungunya vaccines have recently received approval for use in the UK following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI). ‘IXCHIQ’ is accessible for individuals aged 18 to 59 years old, whilst ‘vimkunya’ is accessible for people aged 12 and older.
The vaccines can be purchased from travel clinics, following evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Dr Veal said: “It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling.
“Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk.
“Before you travel, check the Travel Health Pro Website for the latest advice on your destination.
“A chikungunya vaccine may also be considered for those travelling to higher-risk regions.”
