Chikungunya: Painful tropical virus might turn out to be established in UK as temperatures rise | EUROtoday

A debilitating and painful tropical illness attributable to contaminated mosquito bites is posing a higher menace to Europe, and will turn out to be established within the UK within the coming years.

In a brand new research, researchers have found that Asian tiger mosquitoes can unfold the chikungunya virus when air temperatures are as little as 13C – cooler than beforehand believed.

A present outbreak of the virus has induced the US to difficulty a warning for individuals heading to Seychelles, Bolivia and Suriname, urging them to get vaccinated earlier than they journey.

It comes as new information reveals the virus can now be transmitted throughout most of Europe. Sandeep Tegar, who led the research, stated: “Europe is warming rapidly, and the tiger mosquito is gradually expanding northwards through the continent.”

The species, which is sometimes detected in south-east England, might turn out to be extra prevalent throughout Britain as local weather change causes temperatures to extend.

“The lower temperature threshold that we have identified will therefore result in more areas – and more months of the year – becoming potentially suitable for transmission,” Mr Tegar stated.

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In 2025, France and Italy noticed file numbers of native outbreaks of chikungunya. The mosquito species has additionally induced an increase within the nation’s dengue fever circumstances in recent times.

The researchers, from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, stated the mosquitoes have began native outbreaks in Europe after biting individuals who have contracted the virus abroad.

New information reveals that the potential for an infection is current for 2 to a few months of the 12 months throughout a lot of Europe, and as much as six months in Spain and Portugal.

“Identifying specific locations and the months of possible transmission will enable local authorities to decide when and where to take action to reduce the risk or scale of outbreaks,” Mr Tegar stated. “Our research could also help predict how climate change could influence the future spread of the chikungunya virus.”

Chikungunya isn’t usually a deadly illness, however it might trigger excruciating long-term ache. The UK Health Security Agency describes the virus as “a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain”.

Joint pains could final for months or longer, however different signs comparable to complications, sensitivity to mild and pores and skin rashes normally subside inside a couple of weeks.

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In August, British travellers had been urged to take precautions towards mosquito bites throughout an increase in individuals returning to the UK with the virus.

Warmer climate creates higher situations for mosquitos to thrive and will increase the speed at which the virus replicates and is transmitted.

There is at the moment a low threat of the virus in south-east England over the summer time months. However, researchers warned that rising temperatures will enhance the chances of the tiger mosquito establishing within the UK, as has occurred elsewhere in Europe.

Scientists discovered eggs of the mosquito in a lure at a freight depot close to Heathrow airport in October. The nation noticed its hottest summer time on file final 12 months and consultants have warned of 2C of world warming by 2050.

The research’s senior writer, Dr Steven White, stated: “It is important that there is continued action to try to prevent the tiger mosquito from establishing in this country because this highly invasive species is capable of transmitting several infections that can cause serious health conditions including chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses.”

The first identified outbreak of the virus was in Tanzania in 1952. It now impacts greater than 110 nations throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

As of November 2024, round 480,000 circumstances of chikungunya have been detected, inflicting 190 deaths.

A vaccination is out there, however can solely be obtained privately by means of journey clinics or sure pharmacies within the UK.