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Chikungunya Virus Infection in Returning UK Travellers

04 Dec 2014

On 28 November 2014, Public Health England reported that 197 cases of chikungunya virus infection have been identified in UK travellers in 2014. Of those, 162 have been associated with travel to the Caribbean and South and Central America; most frequently, Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada.

The outbreak of chikungunya virus infection in the Caribbean was first reported in December 2013, spreading to North, Central and South America throughtout 2014. Currently an outbreak of chikungunya virus infection is ongoing in French Polynesia.

As of 21 November 2014, 930 866 suspected and confirmed cases of chikungunya virus infection have been reported in the Americas, including 150 fatalities.

Advice for Travellers

TRAVAX has been reporting on this widespread outbreak since December 2013, and advising healthcare professionals and the travelling public on the importance of awareness and the prevention of mosquito bites. This report confirms that UK travellers are being affected by the outbreak and reinforces the importance of awareness and preventive measures.