Summer Travel Health Alert: Precautions Against Infections
As the summer holiday season begins, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding travellers to take precautions against travel-associated infections overseas. According to the UKHSA, cases of imported dengue and Zika virus disease are continuing through spring into summer, with 137 cases of dengue reported in England from January to June 2026. South-East Asia and South Asia remain the most common regions of exposure, with 27 cases linked to travel to Thailand and 19 to the Maldives.
Travellers can protect themselves against these infections by taking steps to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under a treated bed net where needed. Additionally, practising good food and water hygiene and getting vaccinations and malaria prevention tablets where appropriate can help prevent the spread of diseases. The UKHSA has published provisional data for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on specific selected travel-associated infections, including mosquito-borne infections and enteric fever.
Which Nationalities and Traveler Types Are Affected?
The summer travel health alert affects all nationalities and traveller types, including tourists, expats, investors seeking residency, and people exploring citizenship options. British travellers heading abroad this summer are being urged to check updated Foreign Office alerts, disease risks, and insurance rules before committing to holidays. The alert is particularly relevant to those travelling to South-East Asia and South Asia, where the risk of mosquito-borne infections is higher.
According to the UKHSA, the latest imported dengue data shows that a total of 137 cases were reported in England from January to June 2026. Indonesia was the most frequently reported country of exposure for Zika virus cases, accounting for four of the eight cases in 2026 so far. Travellers planning to travel to these areas should take precautions against the disease and seek medical advice as soon as possible if they feel unwell.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Travellers
Affected travellers should take the following steps to protect themselves against travel-associated infections:
- Check the latest travel health advice for their destination on the UK Government website or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
- Get vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies, if recommended for their destination
- Take antimalarial medication if travelling to an area with a high risk of malaria
- Use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites
- Practise good food and water hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases
Comparison with Other Countries
Other countries have similar summer travel health alerts in place. For example, the US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel health notice for several countries in South-East Asia and South America due to the risk of Zika virus and other mosquito-borne infections. The Australian Government has also issued a travel health warning for travellers to Indonesia and other countries in the region.
In comparison to other countries, the UKHSA’s summer travel health alert is more comprehensive, covering a wider range of travel-associated infections and providing more detailed guidance for travellers. However, the alert is similar to those issued by other countries in terms of the precautions recommended to prevent the spread of diseases.
Impact on Investors, Digital Nomads, Retirees, and Citizenship-Seekers
The summer travel health alert has implications for investors, digital nomads, retirees, and citizenship-seekers who plan to travel to affected areas. Investors seeking residency in countries with a high risk of mosquito-borne infections may need to take additional precautions to protect themselves against these diseases. Digital nomads and retirees who plan to travel to affected areas should also take steps to prevent the spread of diseases, such as getting vaccinated and using insect repellent.
Citizenship-seekers who plan to travel to affected areas as part of their application process should be aware of the risks of travel-associated infections and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. It is essential to research the specific health risks associated with each country and take steps to mitigate these risks.
Official Government and Embassy Websites
Travellers can find more information on the summer travel health alert and travel health advice for their destination on the following official government and embassy websites:
- UK Government website
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
- Australian Government Department of Health website
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the summer travel health alert:
- Q: What are the most common travel-associated infections that I should be aware of when travelling to South-East Asia and South Asia? A: The most common travel-associated infections in these regions include dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria.
- Q: How can I protect myself against mosquito-borne infections when travelling to affected areas? A: You can protect yourself by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under a treated bed net where needed.
- Q: Do I need to get vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies when travelling to affected areas? A: Yes, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against these diseases if travelling to areas where they are common.
- Q: What should I do if I feel unwell after returning from a trip to an affected area? A: You should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide your doctor with details of your travel history.
- Q: Are there any specific precautions that I should take when travelling to Indonesia and other countries in the region? A: Yes, you should take additional precautions to prevent the spread of diseases such as Zika and dengue, including using insect repellent and covering exposed skin.
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