NEWS
UKHSA reports rise in chikungunya cases
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data show an increase in travel- associated chikungunya cases in England. A total of 73 cases were reported between January and June 2025. The same period in 2024 saw 27 cases. 2025 has the highest number of cases recorded in this period to date.
The figures are published as part of
UKHSA’s Travel-associated infections report in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: January to June 2025 report, which also reveals three cases of Oropouche virus in travellers returning to the UK. This is the first time the UK has reported Oropouche virus cases, with all cases associated with travel to Brazil.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne
infection related to overseas travel, with symptoms including a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain. While most people recover fully within one-to-two weeks, the joint pain can persist for months or even years. Up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort three years after infection. Serious complications
are uncommon, but very rarely the disease can be fatal. This is particularly true for the very young, older individuals and those with other underlying illnesses.
Of the 73 chikungunya cases, the
majority reported travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius, linked with ongoing local outbreaks in countries in the Indian Ocean region. All cases were reported in England, with the majority in London. The UKHSA’s Travel-associated Infections Report for the first six months of this year also shows: n a significant increase in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK, with eight cases (compared to just one case in 2024) – most cases reported travel history to India and Ethiopia – with all Ethiopia-linked cases associated with an outbreak there;
n 161 dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a 67% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 490 cases;
n Zika virus disease cases also decreased to four cases in the first half of 2025, down from nine cases in 2024.
Starlab closes recycling circle
Following the successful start of production in Germany in January, Starlab is selling the first TipOne racks with TipOne recyclate. This marks the next milestone for the company after years of development and the systematic establishment of a European recycling infrastructure: turning plastic laboratory waste back into high-quality laboratory products. “With the start of sales, the circle not only closes – it truly begins. The new racks can be recycled again after use, allowing the circular economy wheel to spin indefinitely,’ says Klaus Ambos, President and CEO of Starlab International. Over 2,000 laboratories are currently collecting and returning their TipOne components, enabling a closed loop for laboratory polypropylene.
The launch marks the highlight of a ten-
year journey: from product development to the establishment of a European recycling infrastructure, leading to the first production of new racks made primarily (75% TipOne recyclate in the base) from the very material that the laboratories
themselves have collected – a true endless cycle.
The concept is based on the exclusive use of polypropylene (PP) throughout the TipOne system, enabling direct and efficient processing into new raw material. Since 2021, laboratories in Germany, Austria, France, the UK – and in 2025, Italy too – have been collecting their TipOne plastic waste through the established recycling service.
Looking ahead, Starlab plans to expand the recycling programme to more European markets and further increase the recycling rate.
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM SEPTEMBER 2025 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
