UK health agency warns of surge in mosquito-borne illnesses

Health officials in the United Kingdom have issued an urgent warning to holidaymakers after a sharp increase in imported cases of mosquito-borne diseases, including a record number of Zika virus infections. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that more than 750 travel-acquired cases of four mosquito-borne illnesses have been recorded across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland since the start of the year.

The data, released ahead of the peak summer travel season, shows malaria remains the most common imported threat, with 557 cases reported from January through May 2026, a slight increase from 548 in the same period last year. Officials warned that malaria can be rapidly fatal if not treated. Dengue fever cases are also surging, with 137 infections logged between January and June 2026. The highest risk zones for dengue were concentrated in South East Asia and South Asia, with 27 cases linked to travel to Thailand and 19 to the Maldives.

The UKHSA highlighted a concerning rise in Zika virus cases, with eight reported in the first six months of 2026, already surpassing the total of seven recorded for all of 2025. Half of the new Zika cases,...