Teesside travellers among the most cautious with travel insurance

Survey finds nearly three-quarters of Northern residents insure their holidays, ahead of rising chikungunya cases.

Transcript

00:00In Teesside, 74% of residents say they generally purchase travel insurance before going abroad.

00:06Local travel services have reported more inquiries about vaccinations and health precautions,

00:12showing that many residents are taking responsible steps before travelling overseas.

00:17Travel-associated chikungunya cases are increasing across England, with 73 infections recorded

00:23between January and June, compared to 27 during the same period last year.

00:28Most infections were linked to travel in Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius.

00:33Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause sudden fever, joint pain, rashes and fatigue,

00:39with some symptoms lasting months or even years.

00:42Vaccinations are available privately in the UK, after assessment by a healthcare professional.

00:48Public health advice includes using repellent, covering skin and sleeping under treated bed nets.

00:54Mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus are not present in the UK,

00:57so there's no risk of onward transmission.