The chikungunya virus, transmitted through infected mosquito bites, has spread to 25 Caribbean nations

Holidaymakers are being told to cover their skin while visiting sun-drenched Caribbean nations that are struggling with an outbreak of a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease.

The chikungunya virus, transmitted through infected mosquito bites, has spread to 25 Caribbean nations since it was first reported by the World Health Organisation in December 2013.

With over 700,000 suspected cases and 118 deaths reported, experts are telling tourists to protect themselves if they are heading to the region for winter sun.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than 1,600 travellers returning to the US with chikungunya as of November 4.

Canadian authorities have reported more than 200 returning with symptoms, while 37 British travellers have been affected by the agonising virus - 33 of them after visiting the Caribbean.