Health chiefs warn of spike in tropical diseases being brought home from holiday

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UK health chiefs have warned about a spike in tropical diseases - with the highest level of cases in two decades being reported among returning holidaymakers.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an alarming increase in malaria diagnoses, with travellers bringing back the disease after their trips abroad. In 2023, there were 2,004 confirmed cases of malaria in individuals who had recently travelled, a large increase on the 1,369 cases seen in 2022.

The UKHSA warned: "Our latest data show a concerning rise in travel-related cases of #malaria, with the highest number of diagnoses in 20 years." The agency has also highlighted a growing threat from vector-borne diseases within the UK, attributing the rise to factors such as increased global travel and trade, changes in land use, and climate change.

"According to the latest data, imported malaria cases to England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023 have exceeded 2000 cases for the first time in 20 years," added a spokesperson. "Cases were confirmed in individuals who had recently been abroad. The number of cases highlights the importance of taking precautions to minimise the risk of malaria when travelling abroad."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to Brits after revealing a surge in illnesses including dengue and malaria among returning travellers. These diseases, which can be severe, underline the importance of taking precautions when travelling abroad, reports Bristol Live.

Cases have been confirmed across the UK in individuals who had recently travelled overseas. From January to October 2023, a total of 1,637 malaria cases were confirmed in England. This figure is on par with pre-pandemic levels, mirroring the 1,719 cases reported in the UK in 2019 and closely aligning with the average of 1,612 cases reported annually between 2010 and 2019.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), global malaria cases reached an estimated 249 million in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 16 million compared to 2019. Health experts are urging travellers to follow the ABCD of malaria prevention to reduce their risk. The UKHSA advises holidaymakers to check well in advance of their trip to ensure they have enough time to get any necessary vaccinations.

Diseases that people have contracted abroad and brought back to the UK include measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, meningitis, and tetanus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark reminder that vaccinations can take weeks to build immunity, with Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, emphasising the importance of being prepared before jetting off.

She stated: "Nobody wants to get stricken down with sickness on their holidays or when travelling far away from home and it can be especially stressful and worrying if your child gets ill - sadly this does happen, but for many serious illnesses it is preventable. That's why it's so important if you're going on holidays overseas to be sure that you and all your family, especially young children, are up to date with all routine NHS vaccines well before you travel, in particular both MMR vaccines.

"Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and some countries are currently seeing very large outbreaks. There is also the risk of returning home and spreading measles to unvaccinated family and friends, with infants and pregnant women at high risk of serious illness or life-long complications."