As we head into summer 2025, holidaymakers are being urged to plan with one more thing in mind: mosquito risk. With rising global temperatures and increased movement of people, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are expanding their reach across parts of the Northern Hemisphere — including regions popular with British travellers.
Here are the key mosquito hotspots to watch this summer:
The Americas
Florida, USA has seen a continuation of dengue activity into early 2025. As of January, state health officials confirmed 22 travel-related dengue cases and one locally acquired case — a reminder that even in developed countries, mosquito risk is increasing (Vax Before Travel, 2025).
In the Caribbean, particularly Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, dengue cases are also on the rise, with warnings issued for travellers heading to these tropical destinations (Health.com, 2025).
South America, and Brazil in particular, remains a major hotspot. In early 2025, Brazil accounted for a staggering 87% of the 238,659 dengue cases reported across the Americas (Pan American Health Organization, 2025).
Southern Europe
Warmer summers and changing climate patterns are helping mosquitoes thrive further north. Spain and Italy have experienced a marked increase in dengue-related cases. In 2024, the UK saw 904 imported dengue cases — a 43% rise on the previous year, many linked to travel in southern Europe (El País, 2025).
Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken, diseases like dengue and Zika could become endemic in parts of Europe within the next decade.
South & Southeast Asia
India has reported over 150 confirmed Zika virus cases across Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra between January and December 2024. The trend appears to be continuing into 2025 (World Health Organization, 2025).
In Southeast Asia, dengue remains a persistent problem. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam are seeing thousands of reported cases early in the year, signalling a potentially high-risk summer for travellers (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2025).
Protect Yourself with Peace of Mind
While these destinations still offer incredible travel experiences, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to avoid bites. incognito offers a range of clinically proven, DEET-free insect repellents, including our award-winning spray, roll-on, and anti-insect incense sticks. Natural, eco-friendly, and safe for the whole family, they’re the ideal choice for bite-free travel this summer.
So wherever your next adventure takes you, stay informed — and stay protected with incognito.
References
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (2025) Dengue Monthly Surveillance Summary – March 2025. Available at: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-monthly (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
Health.com (2025) Dengue Fever Warning Issued for Caribbean Hotspots. Available at: https://www.health.com/dengue-fever-11702398 (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
Pan American Health Organization (2025) PAHO warns of increased risk of dengue outbreaks due to circulation of DENV-3 in the Americas. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/news/10-2-2025 (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
El País (2025) El dengue y el zika serán endémicos en Europa si no se actúa ya. Available at: https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2025-02-08 (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
Vax Before Travel (2025) Southeast Florida's Dengue Outbreak Continues into 2025. Available at: https://www.vax-before-travel.com/2025/01/29 (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
World Health Organization (2025) Zika Virus – India. Disease Outbreak News. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON549 (Accessed: 31 March 2025).
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