There has been a significant increase in the number of UK cases of a mosquito-borne virus that can cause sudden fever and joint pain and is normally only found in Africa and southern Asia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says more than 70 cases of the chikungunya virus were reported in the first six months of this year, more than double than in the same period last year – all of them linked to travel.
Chikungunya, while rarely fatal, can leave people experiencing joint pain for years.
The UKHSA is warning travellers to take precautions against mosquito bites.
In most cases, people recover fully within a couple of weeks, but for some, pain can persist for months or even years.
