UK travellers have been urged to use insect repellent, malaria prevention tablets and other precautions against mosquito-borne infections, which are on the rise.

This comes as overseas travel has increased following the removal of pandemic restrictions, and alongside a resurgence of malaria in many countries, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Malaria cases at highest level since 2001

Last year, cases of malaria in the UK reached a 12-year high, at 2,106 cases of reported malaria in 2023 - 26% higher than the 1,555 cases reported in 2022, according to the annual malaria report.

And six malaria-related deaths were reported in the UK in 2023.

Dengue cases three times higher than last year

Meanwhile, 473 dengue cases were reported in returning travellers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland between January and June 2024 - more than three times the 157 reported in the same period in 2023.

In March this year, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a dengue vaccine for some travellers who have previously contracted dengue.

Eightfold increase in Zika cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Also between January and June 2024, eight Zika virus cases were reported across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, compared to one case during the same period last year.

The UKHSA said most of these cases had been linked to travel in South East Asia.

Travellers urged to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases

Dr Philip Veal, UKHSA consultant in public health, stressed the importance of precautions against serious mosquito-borne infections for those preparing to travel abroad over the winter.

'Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can help reduce the risk of malaria, dengue, and Zika virus infection,' he said.

'Taking malaria prevention tablets appropriately is highly effective in avoiding the disease.'

And he urged travellers to check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health advice on their destination before they travelled.

'Even if you’ve been to a country before, remember that you don’t have the same level of protection against infections as permanent residents and are still at risk,' he added in a warning to UK travellers.

The UKHSA has previously warned that climate change was likely to bring mosquito-borne diseases to the UK in the ‘near future’.

The Pharmacy First service launched in England this year includes the treatment of infected insect bites.