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2mo ago

West Nile Virus Detected in UK Mosquitoes for the First Time

The UK Health Security Agency confirms the discovery, citing very low current risk but warning of climate change's role in increasing future mosquito-borne disease threats.

Image
Flying biting insects, such as this Asian tiger mosquito, like the warm, humid conditions we now have in the UK (Photo: Pixaby)

Overview

  • The UK Health Security Agency has identified West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time, with no evidence of human transmission so far.
  • The virus is believed to have arrived via migratory birds infected elsewhere, with mosquitoes picking it up after feeding on these birds.
  • Experts emphasize that the current risk of West Nile virus transmission in the UK is very low due to insufficient mosquito populations and cooler temperatures.
  • Climate change is expected to create more favorable conditions for mosquito-borne diseases, including the potential establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito, a vector for dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses.
  • Scientists warn that UK aid cuts could weaken epidemic surveillance in endemic countries, increasing the likelihood of tropical diseases spreading globally, including to the UK.