Officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a warning regarding a rapid increase in Zika virus cases, urging Britons traveling to popular summer destinations to take precautions. The agency reports that eight cases have already been confirmed in the UK this year, exceeding the total of seven recorded throughout all of 2025.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, though rare instances of sexual transmission have been documented. While some symptoms are flu-like, including fever, headache, sore eyes, joint swelling, and rash, the virus can lead to more severe complications. Health officials are particularly concerned about the risk to pregnant women, as Zika infection can cause significant brain damage, especially to developing fetuses.
It is feared that travelers returning from abroad are reintroducing the virus to the UK. The most frequently cited locations for recent cases were Indonesia, with four reported instances, and Thailand, with two. Single cases were also linked to travel to Malaysia, the Maldives, and Singapore.
Dr. Hilary Kirkbride, a consultant epidemiologist and head of travel health at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of preparation for summer travel. She advised travelers to consult the TravelHealthPro website for destination-specific health advisories, including necessary vaccinations and medications. Dr. Kirkbride also recommended protective measures against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and employing treated bed nets where appropriate. Additionally, she stressed the importance of good food and water hygiene practices to prevent enteric fever and other stomach ailments.
"Even if you have visited a country before, you do not have the same level of natural protection against infections as permanent residents, so it is important to take precautions every time you travel," Dr. Kirkbride stated. She also advised individuals who are pregnant or planning conception to seek specific medical advice before their trip.