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Dengue, chikungunya increased in UK travelers
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Dengue incidence has significantly increased among travelers in the UK — from 166 reported cases during 2009 to 406 during 2010. The highest proportions of dengue cases were associated with travelers to India (21%) and Thailand (15%), according to a Health Protection Agency press release.
This increase was followed by a 34% increase in the rate for chikungunya. Almost 50% of cases were associated with travel to India.
“These figures demonstrate that the importance of taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites extends to protecting against other infections, not just malaria,” Jane Jones, MD, head of the HPA’s travel and migrant health section, said in the press release. “Unlike for malaria where drugs can be taken to prevent infection, there is no such option available to prevent either dengue or chikungunya.
Jones said to wear long sleeve tops and pants and to use insect repellant to minimize exposure to both mosquito-borne diseases. “In areas where both malaria and these other mosquito-borne illnesses coexist, protection against mosquito bites should be used around the clock, including the use of mosquito nets at night. Anyone travelling to a tropical destination should take appropriate advice from a health professional or a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before they travel to ensure they are aware of the risks and how they can best protect themselves from illness.”
To view the full report, visit www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/infections/default.htm.
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