HAIRS risk assessment: Chikungunya virus
Qualitative assessment of the risk that chikungunya virus presents to the UK population.
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Since the last chikungunya virus risk assessment in 2018, the global geographical distribution of the virus has continued to expand following its introduction to the Caribbean in late 2013. In Europe, autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus has been reported in both France and Italy since 2007.
Because the UK does not have established populations of invasive Aedes mosquito species competent at transmitting chikungunya virus, there have been no locally acquired infections. However, various life stages of invasive Aedes species were sporadically detected between 2016 and 2025. Where data is available, reported cases in UK have been acquired as a result of travelling to areas with known chikungunya virus circulation.
This analysis was completed to assess the current risk that chikungunya virus presents to the UK.
Updates to this page
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Added updated research.
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Updated epidemiology and Aedes albopictus detections.
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Updated with latest epidemiology and vector information.
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A minor edit was made to ensure clarity in the risk assessment.
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First published.