At Chijos News, we understand that travel for the diaspora is rarely just about holidays. It is about going home, reconnecting with family, attending weddings, supporting loved ones, and maintaining ties across continents. But with that movement comes responsibility, especially when it comes to health. That is why we break down public health updates in a way that speaks directly to diaspora realities, helping you stay informed, protected, and prepared wherever your journey takes you.
As the Easter break approaches and travel plans begin to take shape, the UK Health Security Agency is urging people across the UK to take mosquito-borne diseases seriously, especially those travelling abroad to visit family or holiday destinations.
For many in the diaspora, this season means more than just a getaway. It is a time to return home, reconnect, and spend time with loved ones. But alongside that excitement, health experts are warning that travel-related infections are still a real concern, and in some cases, rising.
One of the biggest concerns this year is Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection that has reached its highest level in over a decade among travellers returning to England. According to the latest data, 160 cases were recorded in 2025, a sharp increase from the previous year and the highest annual figure since 2014.
Most of these cases were reported in England, with London accounting for more than half. For a city with a large African, Caribbean, and South Asian diaspora population, this reflects a clear pattern. People are travelling, often to visit family, and returning with infections picked up abroad.
The majority of cases were linked to travel in countries such as Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, regions that have seen increased outbreaks in recent months. Globally, the situation mirrors this trend, with health authorities reporting significant activity across parts of Asia and the Indian Ocean.
Chikungunya is not always widely understood, but for those who catch it, the experience can be intense. It often begins suddenly, with fever and severe joint pain that can make even simple movement difficult. While many people recover within a few weeks, the joint pain can linger for months, and in some cases, even years. It is not typically fatal, but it can seriously affect quality of life.
There is some reassurance. The mosquitoes that spread chikungunya are not currently established in the UK, meaning the risk remains linked to travel rather than local transmission. Still, for travellers, especially those heading to affected regions, prevention becomes essential.
Health officials are also highlighting that chikungunya is not the only concern. Malaria cases among returning travellers remain high, with over 1,600 cases reported in 2025. While this represents a slight decrease from the previous year, it is still a significant number. Malaria is far more serious and can be fatal if not treated quickly, although it is largely preventable with the right precautions.
At the same time, there has been some positive news regarding Dengue, another mosquito-borne illness. Cases dropped significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a wider global decline after a particularly severe year. Even so, it remains a risk in many popular travel destinations.
Other infections, including Zika virus and cholera, were also recorded among travellers, though in smaller numbers. In addition, rare cases of Oropouche virus disease were identified for the first time in returning travellers, linked to visits to Brazil. While these cases are limited, they highlight how global travel continues to expose people to a wide range of health risks.
For diaspora communities, these warnings are especially relevant. Travel is often frequent and sometimes last-minute, particularly when responding to family needs or cultural events. In those moments, health preparation can easily be overlooked.
Medical experts are encouraging travellers to think ahead. Preparing properly before a trip can make a significant difference, whether that means getting the right vaccinations, carrying insect repellent, or understanding the specific risks associated with your destination.
There have also been developments on the prevention front. Vaccines for chikungunya have recently been approved for use in the UK and are available privately through travel clinics, offering an additional layer of protection for those at higher risk.
The key message from health authorities is simple but important. Travel safely, but travel informed. Understanding the risks does not mean cancelling plans. It means taking steps to protect yourself so that your trip remains what it should be, a positive and meaningful experience.
For many people, especially within the diaspora, travel is not optional. It is part of maintaining identity, family ties, and cultural connection. That makes staying healthy even more important.
As you plan your journey this Easter or spring, the advice is to take a moment to prepare. Check trusted guidance, speak to a healthcare professional if needed, and make sure you are equipped to protect yourself.
Because coming back home should bring back memories, not illness.