21 July 2025

As people in the North West prepare for the summer getaway, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to take steps to protect themselves and their families from potentially serious travel-related infections.

 

According to a new report, provisional data shows gastrointestinal (GI) infections

remain the most common travel-related illness nationally (65% of reported cases) with 333 (4.38 per 100,000 population) for the North West. They are most frequently reported in the summer months following international travel.

 

Measles cases from travel have risen sharply since 2022, mainly affecting children under 10. Outbreaks are happening across Europe, including Romania, France, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.

 

Typhoid and paratyphoid cases peak twice a year - in spring and autumn. Young adults travelling to India, Pakistan or Bangladesh are most at risk.

 

Hepatitis A cases are highest in summer after foreign travel, mostly affecting children and young adults.

 

Malaria remains a major risk for travellers to affected areas.

 

But these infections are mostly preventable, Dr Merav Kliner, regional deputy director for UKHSA North West, said:

“With many people travelling during the summer months for holidays, we often see the impact with peaks of illness in September when people return.

 

“We want all North West residents to enjoy a healthy and safe trip abroad, no matter if you’re visiting friends and relatives, it’s somewhere you know really well and have stayed for longer periods, or you’re just going for a shorter holiday.

 

“By not letting your guard down and taking some simple steps before, during and after travel, you can reduce your risk of picking up an unwanted infection, ruining your trip and having to take time off work or school when you get back. From vaccinations to basic hygiene, practising safe sex, and being aware of symptoms, there are easy ways to stay well.

 

“The Travel Health Pro website has detailed country-specific information, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as malaria tablets, and how to avoid traveller’s diarrhoea and other serious gastrointestinal infections.

 

“Measles remains an ongoing risk both in England and abroad, particularly for children, and so it is important to make sure they’ve had the MMR vaccine.”

 

Prevention advice

Before you go:

  • Check the Travel Health Pro website for country and disease-specific information: www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
  • Make an appointment with your GP, practice nurse, a travel clinic or a pharmacy offering travel services.
  • Ensure you are vaccinated – especially for measles, hepatitis A and typhoid.
  • Check if malaria tablets or other vaccinations are needed.

During your trip:

  • Practise good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water
  • Follow food and water hygiene advice, for example avoid undercooked food and drink bottled water when appropriate
  • Avoid insect and tick bites - use insect repellent and mosquito nets in high-risk areas.
  • Practise safe sex.
  • If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.

After returning:

  • Seek medical advice if you have symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, rash or jaundice.
  • Avoid school or work for 48 hours after gastrointestinal symptoms resolve.
  • Complete the full course of malaria tablets when you get home.
  • Get tested for STIs if you have had unprotected sex.
Back to Latest News