00:00Around Newcastle and the Tynanwea region, 74% of residents say they usually buy travel insurance before heading abroad.
00:08Local clinics report a rise in inquiries about vaccinations and practical travel advice, reflecting heightened awareness of overseas health risks.
00:16UK-wide, travel-associated chikungunya infections are on the rise, with 73 cases reported between January and June, compared with 27 in the same period last year.
00:26Most cases were linked to travel in Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius.
00:31Chikungunya causes fever, joint pain, skin rashes and sometimes prolonged symptoms lasting months or years.
00:37Vaccinations are available privately following professional assessment.
00:42Travellers are advised to use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
00:48Mosquitoes that transmit the disease are not established in the UK, so onward transmission is not a concern.
00:53Taking simple precautions, getting vaccinations and having travel insurance can help keep you safe while abroad.
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