Rising Threat of Mosquito-Borne Infections – Stay Informed and Protected

As international travel reaches pre-pandemic levels, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a sharp rise in mosquito-borne infections, urging travellers to take precautions. These infections, including malaria, dengue, and Zika virus, can pose significant health risks if left unchecked. Here's what you need to know to stay safe during your travels.

Key Findings from the UKHSA Report

1. Malaria Cases on the Rise:
• Over 2,100 malaria cases were reported in the UK in 2023, marking a 26% increase from 2022.
• Provisional data from January to June 2024 indicates 753 travel-related malaria cases, the highest numbers since 2001.
2. Record Numbers of Dengue:
• Between January and June 2024, 473 cases of dengue were recorded in the UK, a significant jump from 157 cases during the same period in 2023. This is the highest number of cases since surveillance began in 2009.
3. Zika Virus and Emerging Threats:
• Eight Zika cases were reported in early 2024, primarily linked to travel in South-East Asia. The virus poses particular risks to pregnant women.
4. Global Concerns Around Oropouche Virus:HSA Ale
• While no UK cases have been reported, the rise in Oropouche virus (spread by midges) globally highlights the importance of extra precautions for pregnant travellers.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Planning ahead and taking preventive measures can help reduce your risk of infection. For travellers visiting high-risk areas, we recommend following incognito’s C.L.O.A.K. guidelines, created by our co-founder and bite prevention expert, Howard Carter:

Cover Up
Wear long sleeves and trousers to shield your skin. For an added layer of protection, soak your clothes in a mixture of 10-20 drops of incognito®’s Java Citronella Oil and water for 15 minutes.

Light and Loose
Choose light-coloured, loose clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, so opt for bright and breezy attire.

Odour Control
Minimise scents that attract insects by washing with unscented or citrus-based products like incognito®’s Hair & Body Wash morning and night. For deeper cleaning, use a natural loofah every other day to clear your pores of any odours.

Apply Repellent
Apply incognito® insect repellent spray, roll-on, lotion, or sunblock to all exposed skin. Reapply every 4-5 hours or as needed to maintain protection.

Keep Them Out
Prevent mosquitoes from entering your space by using incognito®’s Room Refresher or Incense Sticks. Be proactive in eliminating nearby stagnant water, as mosquitoes can breed in standing water within just five days.

To ensure you’re fully prepared, visit our high-risk travel page, which outlines the 3 steps for 100% protection* against insect-borne diseases.  

High-Risk Areas to Watch

The latest advice highlights the following regions as areas of concern for mosquito-borne diseases:

• South-East Asia: A significant rise in dengue and Zika virus cases has been reported.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Malaria remains prevalent, with increasing reports of cases among returning travellers.
• South and Central America: Dengue outbreaks and emerging threats like Oropouche virus are on the rise.
• Caribbean: Ongoing risks of Zika virus, especially for pregnant travellers.

Travellers heading to these regions are strongly advised to take precautions, including consulting a healthcare provider for tailored advice at least 4-6 weeks before departure.

Practical Tips for Travel

• Use a trusted insect repellent like incognito® for maximum protection.
• Get prepared by reading through our Travel Essentials for all-round advice on pre-trip planning, what to pack, travelling advice to high-risk areas, information about insects you should be aware of, and more. 
• Sleep under mosquito nets treated with natural deterrents in areas without air conditioning.
• Take antimalarial tablets as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Consult the TravelHealthPro website to stay updated on vaccinations and health advice specific to your destination.

With the holiday season approaching, it’s vital to stay informed. By taking the right precautions, you can enjoy your travels while keeping yourself and your family safe from mosquito-borne diseases.