This includes infections such as dengue and malaria, which can cause severe disease, and highlights the need for travellers to take precautions to reduce health risks while abroad. Cases were confirmed in parts of the UK in individuals who had recently been abroad.
In 2023, 634 dengue cases were reported in returning travellers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, aligning closely with those in 2019, during the pre-pandemic period, when 790 cases were reported. During 2023, most reported cases of dengue were acquired in Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia, particularly India. However, there has been an increase in cases acquired in Central America and the Caribbean, due to recent outbreaks in these parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant rise in global dengue cases in 2023, resulting in over five million cases and 5000 deaths worldwide.
‘As travel has increased following the lifting of travel restrictions during the pandemic, so have serious mosquito borne infections. There are simple steps that people can take to reduce the risk of infections such as malaria, dengue and Zika,’ said Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency.
‘Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin and sleeping under a treated bed net. Plan ahead and visit the TravelHealthPro website to look up your destination and the latest health information and advice. Even if you have visited or lived in a country before, you will not have the same protection against infections as local people and are still at risk.’
A total of 1,637 malaria cases were confirmed in England from January to October 2023. Cases returned to pre-pandemic levels, similar to the 1,719 cases reported in the UK in 2019 and matching closely with the average of 1,612 cases reported between 2010 and 2019. The WHO reports that in 2022, global malaria cases were estimated at 249 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 16 million compared to 2019.
Eight Zika cases were reported in England in 2023 – a similar level to 2022. Case numbers peaked in 2016 with 725 cases, reflecting the Zika outbreak in America that year, before decreasing in the following years. While cases of Zika are low, the infection poses a particular threat to pregnant women and those trying to conceive.
‘If you are making plans to travel abroad this year, please take a moment to prioritise your health and plan ahead. Check the relevant country information pages on our website, TravelHealthPro, and ideally speak to your GP or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks ahead of travelling to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations and advice you need to ensure your trip is a happy and healthy one. When you return to the UK, if you feel unwell, seek medical attention and ensure you inform your healthcare provider that you have been travelling recently,’ said Dr Dipti Patel, Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.