00:00In the West Country, particularly around Bristol, 71% of residents say they generally buy travel insurance before heading abroad.
00:08Local travel clinics report that many visitors are now seeking advice on vaccinations and protective measures before flying out to warmer destinations.
00:16This demonstrates the region's proactive approach to safeguarding health while travelling.
00:21UK-wide travel-associated chikungunya cases have increased significantly, with 73 infections recorded between January and June, compared to 27 in the same period last year.
00:35Most cases were linked to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, areas currently experiencing outbreaks.
00:42Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause sudden fever and joint pain that may last for months or years.
00:48Vaccines are now available privately in the UK following professional assessment.
00:53Mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus are not established in the UK, so there's no risk of onward transmission.
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