A lethal virus has been detected in UK mosquitoes for the first time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) genetic material in mosquitoes found in Britain.
Following this discovery, Brits are being urged to take action to ‘reduce mosquito numbers around our homes’. This comes after the detection of the virus, which is transmitted to humans by blood-feeding insects, in UK mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of vector-borne diseases, which also includes viruses responsible for tropical diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever. The virus is typically found in birds and circulates via bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare instances, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses.
What are the symptoms?
Most individuals infected with West Nile Virus experience mild flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. However, the UKHSA maintains that the risk to the public remains ‘very low’, reports the Manchester Evening News.
While mild infections usually clear up within a few days, the virus can lead to neurological disease and death in a small number of cases. Nevertheless, approximately 80 per cent of those infected will not exhibit any symptoms.
How to avoid mosquitoes
Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, explained: “Mosquitoes breed in a range of natural wetlands, but can also be common in gardens, breeding in container habitats like water butts and buckets.”
UK gardeners have been advised to place lids on water butts and buckets or turn them upside down following the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV). Dr Medlock highlighted the importance of limiting mosquito breeding areas by saying: “Reducing opportunities for some mosquito species to access these containers with lids, or turning them over, can reduce mosquitoes numbers around our homes.”
Mosquitoes are widespread in the UK, thriving in wet woodland and aquatic habitats such as ponds, marshes, and even garden water barrels, according to Dr Medlock.
To protect against mosquito bites, especially in mosquito-prone environments, experts recommend for Brits to:
- Opt for long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover their arms and legs
- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET to the skin
- Keep windows and doors shut wherever feasible
- Install blinds or screens
The WNV, prevalent in parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia, has caused deadly outbreaks in European countries, with Spain and Greece experiencing fatalities last year. Experts link the growing reach of the WNV to climate change, which is believed to make northern and western parts of mainland Europe more susceptible to the virus.
As the planet continues to warm up, species of mosquitoes not currently found in Britain could start adapting to the British climate, potentially establishing new populations here, cautions the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Deputy Director for travel health, zoonoses, emerging infections, respiratory and tuberculosis, said: “While this is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe.”
She added: “The risk to the general public is currently assessed as very low. Vector research of this kind is designed to give us early warning of potential threats so that we can enhance our disease surveillance and control activities and ensure patients receive appropriate testing.”
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