Latest news with #TravelHealthPro
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning as two deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes strike tourists in Europe
A health alert has been issued for tourists traveling to Europe this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions such as South America and India. Both were considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the British Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels.
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
UK Health Security Agency issues travel advice for holidaymakers this summer
With summer now upon us, countless Britons are jetting off abroad for some much-needed relaxation. Yet before boarding that plane, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest health and safety recommendations. Dr Anjali Pai from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has championed this cause, creating an informative video packed with essential tips for travellers. As you look forward to your summer break abroad, Dr Pai emphasised that health remains paramount and shouldn't be overlooked. "My name is Anjali Pai, and I am one of the consultants in health protection and one of the border health leads of the UK Health Security Agency," she said in a post shared on X, reports Chronicle Live. Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. "First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro website, which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel. There are also government advisory websites on travel to other countries, if there are any health risks to be concerned with." With this in consideration, Dr Pai also highlighted the significance of immunisations in avoiding ailments both domestically and internationally. Certain nations require evidence of vaccinations, such as yellow fever certificates, for admission, reports the Mirror. Dr Pai added: "Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine." A further crucial suggestion from Dr Pai involves upholding proper hand and respiratory cleanliness. "A simple thing is hand hygiene," Dr Pai emphasised. "So, just washing your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, after you go to the toilet, is a really simple measure that can prevent the spread of many infections. "Good respiratory hygiene, and by this, it's just about coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposing of it sensibly and washing your hands afterwards. Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "There are also other things, such as preventing yourself from getting mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito sprays and mosquito nets. "And finally, safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms." If you feel unwell after returning to the UK, seek medical attention, regardless of previous visits or where you've lived. NHS Inform offers additional advice: "You should seek medical help even if it's up to one month after you've been travelling. "Always make sure you tell the health professional that you've recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk."
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning issued as two deadly diseases detected at popular holiday destination
A health alert has been issued for British tourists travelling to a popular European destination this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of both dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions like South America and India. Both were previously considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of Chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels. It comes as Hawaii health officials are asking visitors to ensure they are vaccinated against whooping cough as cases reach an all-time high in the state. Earlier this week, the state's Department of Health reported 108 cases of the Victorian-era disease — dubbed the 100-day cough — a stark increase from last year's 84 total cases. According to data from the CDC, about 10,000 cases of the coughing malady and nearly a dozen deaths have already been reported across the country this year.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK health agency issues update to anyone with summer holiday booked
The government agency has created an informative video with essential tips for travellers With summer now here, countless Brits are flying abroad for some much-needed holiday time. But before jetting off, it's crucial to stay up to date with the latest health and safety advice. Dr Anjali Pai from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has taken the lead in this effort, creating an informative video with essential tips for travellers. As you eagerly await your summer trip abroad, Dr Pai emphasised that well-being remains important and should not be overlooked. "My name is Anjali Pai, and I am one of the consultants in health protection and one of the border health leads of the UK Health Security Agency," she said in a post shared to X. "Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. "First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro website, which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel. There are also government advisory websites on travel to other countries, if there are any health risks to be concerned with." Bearing this in mind, Dr Pai also outlined the importance of vaccinations in dodging illnesses both at home and abroad. Some countries mandate proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever certificates, for entry. Dr Pai contiinued: "Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine." Another key recommendation from Dr Pai is to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. "A simple thing is hand hygiene," Dr Pai said. "So, just washing your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, after you go to the toilet, is a really simple measure that can prevent the spread of many infections. "Good respiratory hygiene, and by this, it's just about coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposing of it sensibly and washing your hands afterwards. "There are also other things, such as preventing yourself from getting mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito sprays and mosquito nets. "And finally, safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms." Seek medical attention if you feel unwell after returning to the UK, regardless of prior visits or residence. Further guidance from NHS Inform states: "You should seek medical help even if it's up to one month after you've been travelling. "Always make sure you tell the health professional that you've recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk."
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Two serious illnesses 'being spread' in favourite UK holiday destination
Tourists have been given a warning after it emerged two serious illnesses are being transmitted in a favourite holiday destination. British holidaymakers have been issued a health alert regarding two serious diseases found in a popular travel destination. The Foreign Office-supported Travel Health Pro website has disclosed that Dengue and Chikungunya have both been detected in Italy. These illnesses have been identified previously, but all instances were contracted abroad. However, Italian health officials have now reported two new cases diagnosed in individuals who contracted the diseases within the country, raising fears of local transmission. In relation to Dengue, as of 15 July 2025, the Italian health authorities announced the first locally acquired case of the year. This case was reported in the Emilia Romagna region. Additionally, 82 imported cases of the disease have been documented across various regions. Similarly, by the same date, health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of Chikungunya for the year. This case was again identified in the Emilia Romagna region. A further 50 imported cases of the disease have been recorded in several regions. Chikungunya Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus spread through mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are active from sunrise to sunset, particularly at dawn and dusk. They breed in natural and man-made containers such as flowerpots and old tyres, which pose a risk factor for transmission if left near human dwellings. Chikungunya, while uncomfortable, is seldom life-threatening. Symptoms typically manifest 4-8 days post an infected mosquito bite and include:. In rare instances, individuals may contract the CHIKV virus without exhibiting any symptoms. While symptoms generally subside within 1–2 weeks, severe joint pain can linger for months or even years. Sporadic reports of complications involving the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been noted. There's no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. The recommended course of action includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain and fever relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Dengue Dengue is an infectious disease caused by four distinct types (serogroups) of the dengue virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes typically breed in urban areas near human dwellings and are most active during daylight hours. Although unpleasant, dengue is usually a self-limiting illness. However, a small yet significant number of people can develop a more serious infection (severe dengue). Travel health pro has issued a statement saying: "Approximately 40 to 80 per cent of people infected with dengue remain symptom-free. If symptoms do occur, the illness usually begins abruptly with a high fever, and is often accompanied by a severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash. Most infections are self-limiting, with a rapid recovery three to four days after the rash appears." They also warned: "A small number of people develop more severe illness with symptoms which can include dangerously low blood pressure (shock), fluid build-up in the lungs and severe bleeding. There is no specific drug treatment for severe dengue illness, although hospital admission and careful management of fever, fluid balance and pain can help with recovery. If left untreated, severe dengue illness can be fatal. With good medical care, death due to severe dengue is typically less than one per cent."
