British holidaymakers planning their summer getaways are being issued a stark warning following a significant rise in imported mosquito-borne diseases across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted an increase in cases of illnesses such as Zika virus and dengue fever, prompting urgent advice for travellers to protect themselves.
From January to June 2026, eight cases of Zika virus were reported, already exceeding the seven cases recorded throughout the entirety of 2025. Four of these recent cases were linked to travel in Indonesia. Concurrently, 137 cases of imported dengue fever were identified in England during the same period, with South-East Asia and South Asia remaining the primary regions of contraction. Specific links include 27 cases from Thailand and 19 from the Maldives. While the total for this period is slightly lower than the 161 cases by June last year, numbers typically escalate later in the year.
Other mosquito-transmitted illnesses have also seen significant figures. There were 59 cases of chikungunya reported from January to June this year, with Sri Lanka accounting for 18 of these. This compares to 73 cases in the same period last year. Furthermore, 557 malaria cases were reported in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from January to May 2026, a slight increase from the 548 cases recorded at the same point last year.
Beyond mosquito-borne infections, the UK also saw 287 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever between January and June this year. These are caused by Salmonella bacteria, typically spread through contaminated food or water. Mosquitoes themselves thrive in standing water, where warmth can rapidly accelerate egg hatching.
Dr. Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist and head of travel health at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of preparation. She advised travellers to consult the TravelHealthPro website for specific health advice, including necessary vaccinations and medications like anti-malarial tablets. For protection against mosquitoes, she recommended using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under treated bed nets where appropriate. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive are urged to consult a doctor, nurse, or local travel clinic before planning any trips due to the serious risks associated with Zika virus.