Travel-related mosquito infections in UK hit highest level since 2001

The number of travel-related mosquito-borne infections such as dengue and malaria in the UK last year hit its highest level since 2001, according to the latest figures.

The UK Health Security Agency’s annual malaria report for 2023 revealed there were 2,106 cases of imported malaria, a 26 per cent increase on the 1,555 cases reported in 2022 and the highest for 22 years.

The UKHSA said the rise in cases was “linked to the resurgence of malaria in many countries” coupled with “an increase in overseas travel after the removal of pandemic restrictions.”

The UKHSA also said six malaria-related deaths were reported in the UK in 2023, while “provisional figures” indicated 753 travel-acquired malaria cases were reported in the country between January and June 2024.

A separate report, the UKHSA added, highlighted 473 dengue cases were reported in returning travellers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between January and June 2024. That compared with 157 cases during the same period last year.

“(The 2024 figure) was the highest number of cases reported in the first six months of any year since dengue surveillance began in 2009 and reflects the substantial rise in cases reported globally in 2024,” the UKHSA said.

Eight Zika virus cases were reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between January and June 2024 compared with one case in the same period last year.