'Worrying' deadly disease which can cause 'pain for years' is surging across the UK

Chikungunya, spread by mosquitos, has sent China into meltdown - and now cases are on the rise in the UK with a huge jump compared to last year. Chikungunya gets its name from "that which bends up" due to the severe joint pain it causes, which makes people stoop over (Image: Getty Images)

A "nasty" tropical disease with "severe joint and muscle pain" is seeing a "worrying" rise in the UK and globally , especially China, experts warn. Chikungunya virus is a fast-spreading disease that has prompted Chinese authorities to introduce pandemic-like restrictions as it sweeps the country. ‌

Reports indicate close to 10,000 cases there, with southern China cities of Foshan and Guangzhou being most badly hit. UK health authorities are advising holidaymakers to guard against mosquit