A new survey has revealed that UK holidaymakers are at increasing risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever due to a lack of preventative measures. The research, carried out by Arctech Innovation—a spin-out company of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)—in collaboration with Incognito, found that only 36% of UK travellers take insect repellent with them when going abroad.
This concerning trend aligns with data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which reported a record number of malaria and dengue cases being imported into the UK. According to the UKHSA, the country has brought in more cases of these diseases than any other EU nation, placing an additional strain on the National Health Service (NHS).
The survey, conducted at UK airports with 112 participants, found that 58% of respondents were travelling to destinations where mosquito-borne diseases are present. A significant majority of those surveyed (79%) were women aged between 26 and 70. The findings underscore the risk of UK residents contracting and bringing back infections that could potentially lead to local outbreaks.
Dengue fever cases, in particular, have surged, with figures reaching their highest levels since records began. The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a known carrier of the virus, is now present in the UK, though it currently does not transmit dengue domestically. However, experts warn that with more Britons returning from affected regions with infections, it may only be a matter of time before local transmission begins. Malaria, too, has resurged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Howard Carter, a leading expert in tropical diseases, is actively working with health specialists in the UK and Southeast Asia to address the growing threat. Having survived both malaria and dengue fever, he is vocal about the importance of prevention.
“The global dengue explosion means that Brits must take insect repellent with them when they travel. It is endemic throughout the tropics and found in the 3 most-visited EU countries,” Carter said. “Malaria is also now present on the Continent. It is shocking that 64% of us do not bring insect repellent – which can fully protect – when visiting countries with a risk.”
He emphasised that two insect repellent ingredients—DEET and PMD—are clinically proven by LSHTM to provide complete protection. For those who avoid DEET due to its toxicity, Carter highlighted PMD-based repellents, such as Incognito, as an effective and natural alternative.
“According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 7.6m dengue fever cases were reported worldwide in 2023 and nearly double that figure, 14m in 2024. It further states that you can contract the disease locally in France, Italy and Spain, where it is autochthonous. Holidaymakers need to purchase insect repellent before they arrive at airports where they regularly sell out. Insect repellent outside Britain is usually not manufactured to the same high standards, possibly leaving travellers vulnerable.”
