🌍 Alert: Rising Mosquito-Borne Viruses! 🦟
Planning a getaway? Be aware! Health officials are buzzing with alerts as there’s been a spike in chikungunya cases among travellers returning to the UK. This mosquito-borne virus, while rarely fatal, can cause sudden fever and joint pains that might last for weeks or even years. Most cases were linked to sunny destinations like Sri Lanka, India, and Mauritius. So, if you’re packing for a trip, don’t forget to pack some insect repellent and a mosquito net.
But there’s more! The first UK cases of a newcomer, the oropouche virus, have been detected. This one’s spread by midge bites and is linked to those who recently visited Brazil. It brings on flu-like symptoms—fever, headaches, joint pain, the works. If you’ve been travelling in Central or South America and start feeling unwell, it’s crucial to get medical advice pronto.
The UK Health Security Agency highlights that, thankfully, there’s no risk of these viruses spreading locally because the mosquitoes that carry them aren’t in the UK (phew!). However, it’s vital to safeguard yourself when travelling. Enjoy your holiday but arm yourself with preventive measures like wearing long sleeves, staying indoors during peak mosquito hours, and using insecticide-treated nets.
In other travel-related health news, there’s been a slight rise in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK this year, mainly linked to trips to India and Ethiopia. On a brighter note, dengue cases have seen a 67% drop compared to last year!
Stay safe, fellow travellers, and enjoy your adventures with peace of mind. ✈️🦟❤️