European health officials have issued warnings regarding several potentially fatal viruses, with a focus on mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile Virus, as well as the 'dirty hands disease,' Hepatitis A. These alerts highlight a concerning surge in cases across various European nations, prompting calls for increased public awareness and preventive measures for both residents and holidaymakers.

An unusual and early outbreak of Chikungunya has been detected in France, with eight local cases reported. This tropical virus, normally prevalent in regions like South America and India, typically manifests with severe body pains and can lead to organ damage in severe instances. Officials suggest that the early onset of the outbreak could indicate the adaptation of Chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes to French climates, possibly due to climate change.

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This warning follows closely after UK vaccine authorities suspended a newly approved Chikungunya vaccine for individuals over 65, citing two deaths and 21 severe reactions. To mitigate the spread, visitors are urged to use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk), and utilize screened or air-conditioned rooms, or bed nets where available. French public health officials also advise citizens to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by covering or emptying water containers.

Alongside Chikungunya, Europe is also grappling with a significant increase in other mosquito-borne illnesses. Dengue, historically known as 'breakbone fever' due to its excruciating bone pain, saw a sharp rise with 304local cases last year, more than double the 2023 figures and quadruple those of 2022. Symptoms include abrupt fever, severe headache, eye, joint, and muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The UK has also recorded a record 904 imported dengue cases in 2024. The West Nile Virus, another pathogen spread by invasive mosquitoes, is also surging, with 1,436 human cases reported across 212 European regions in 2024, a notable increase from 713 cases in 2023. British experts have repeatedly warned of the 'slow march north' of these tropical disease-carrying pests, with concerns about them establishing self-sustaining populations in the UK. While most mosquito-borne diseases are not directly transmissible person-to-person, an infected individual can transport the virus to new regions, where local mosquitoes can then pick it up and spread it further.

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In a separate but equally critical health alert, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has identified a surge in Hepatitis A infections across Europe, with nine deaths reported this year. This virus, known as 'dirty hands disease,' spreads through contaminated faeces making its way into food and drink, and can cause catastrophic liver failure.

As of now, 2,097 cases have been confirmed across popular holiday destinations including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Slovakia has been most affected with 880 cases in 2025, while the Czech Republic reports the highest fatalities with six deaths among 600 cases, predominantly affecting young children. Austria and Hungary have also seen significant case numbers.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A can be subtle initially but may progress to high fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pale grey stools, itchy skin, and in severe cases, jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and eyes indicating liver distress. Vaccination is recommended before travel to high-risk areas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is also monitoring a domestic spike in Hepatitis A, with 95 serious liver infections, 58 of which required hospitalization, linked to a specific food item from an unnamed supermarket. Infected individuals are advised to avoid alcohol, preparing food for others, unprotected sex, and sharing needles to prevent further transmission.