Travellers need to keep up to date on emerging viruses, says Public Health

Follows cases of Chikungunya in the UK

People travelling from the Island to other parts of the world should keep up to date with information on emerging viruses such as Chikungunya and Oropouche which are caused by insect bites.

That's the advice from Public Health in response to the discovery of at least 73 cases of Chikungunya in the UK.

The virus is spread by mosquitos which are most prevalent in Asian and African countries.

The majority of those with the virus reported visiting Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, which the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say is linked with ongoing local outbreaks in the Indian Ocean.

All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London. However, the UKHSA says that “there is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya in the UK.

There are only two species of mosquito that transmit the disease and they are not established in the UK at present.

Travellers should ensure they use appropriate repellents when abroad.