The 7 signs of deadly, paralysing West Nile virus that's mistaken for flu – as it's found in UK mozzies for first time
DEADLY and paralysing West Nile virus has been spotted in UK mosquitoes for the first time.
The bug is spread
3
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time
Credit: Getty
Many people won't get symptoms at all but some may be struck with flu-like aches and pains,
The virus can cause severe, life-threatening illness in around one in 150 people who catch it, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which may lead to paralysis or even death.
Scientists identified fragments of the virus in the genetic material of UK mosquitoes for first the time.
While there have been other cases of West Nile virus on British soil, these have usually been a result of mozzie bites acquired in different countries, where the disease-carrying critters are abundant.
Read more on West Nile virus
Over the last 25 years, only seven cases have been brought into the UK by travellers - and none have caught it locally.
While West Nile virus is endemic in Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, the US and Australia, mosquitoes carrying the disease have gradually spread through Europe - including in the north, where temperatures are lower.
Scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) gathered them in July 2023 and pooled into 200 groups of 10 for testing.
Most read in Health
Only two out of 200 groups that were tested showed traces of the virus.
UKHSA stressed that it the risk to Brits was low, as there have been no reports of the virus spreading to people.
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA deputy director for travel health and emerging infections, 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.
"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."
The health watchdog said healthcare professionals should test patients with encephalitis of unknown cause as a precaution through UKHSA's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.
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Prof Tom Solomon, from the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit on Emerging Infections and the
Pandemic
Institute in Liverpool said West Nile virus mostly causes a flu-like illness in people.
But it can also "infect people with no symptoms at all".
People infected with the bug may experience:
Headaches
Body aches and joint pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Rash
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms typically take two to 14 days to appear after infection and should go away within three to six days, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Prof Solomon added: "In a small proportion of patients, the virus can cause neurological disease, which may lead to paralysis or even death.
"Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment."
Other mosquito-borne diseases and how to protect yourself
Vector-borne diseases - illnesses transmitted to humans by organisms such as mosquitoes and ticks - are a growing threat to the UK and Europe.
They account for more than 17 per cent of all infectious diseases globally, causing over 700,000 deaths annually, according to UKHSA.
They include:
Malaria
Dengue
Yellow fever
Zika
Chikungunya
The Fit for Travel website says if you are travelling to an area affected by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, spread by mosquitoes, you should take action to protect yourself.
Some mosquitoes are more active in the day time while others at night - so it is important to protect yourself at all times.
It says: "If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history."
To protect yourself:
Use a good quality insect repellent
The higher the strength, the longer the repellent should prevent mosquitoes landing on you.
An effective repellent contains at least one of; DEET (50% concentration for areas where there is malaria), Icaradin/Picardin (at least 20% concentration, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized (at least 30% concentration), IR3535 (but not for malaria areas).
Apply:
On all areas of skin not covered by clothes
After sun screen
Regularly, particularly if you notice mosquitoes around you
After swimming, washing or excessive sweating
On the face, by spraying the repellent on the hands first
Loose clothing
Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so loose-fitted clothing is ideal.
Consider a high neckline, long sleeves, long trousers and socks.
Remember to apply insect repellent on areas not clothed.
Mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can protect you at night when sleeping and are even better if treated with insecticide.
Check for any holes in the net before using it. If a hole is apparent, then this should be mended.
You should tuck the net under your mattress or ground sheet during the night, and either collapse it down, or keep it tucked up during the day to stop insects flying under and into the net.
Fewer than 1 per cent of people infected with West Nile virus will develop disease in the brain and nervous system, according to UKHSA.
This may be meningitis, encephalitis with high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation or confusion, severe muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.
People over 50 or with health conditions like
cancer
,
diabetes
,
, or
are at higher risk of serious illness.
Meanwhile, patients aged over 70 are at highest risk of death.
How is West Nile virus spread?
The bug is primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
According to UKHSA, humans are considered dead-end-hosts, which means people infected with West Nile virus can't transmit the virus back to mosquitoes.
This means that if someone gets overseas and travels back to the UK, this won't lead to further transmission of the illness.
With the bug being spotted in UK mosquitoes for the first time, experts still aren't especially worried that this will lead to widespread transmission of West Nile virus in the UK.
Dr Robert Jones, assistant professor at the
London
School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine
, said: 'There is currently no evidence that these fragments of genetic material are linked to any human cases of West Nile virus infection."
Professor Paul Long, a microbiologist at King's College London, added: 'Although virus-infected mosquitoes have been found in the UK there's no evidence yet that these mosquitoes will survive in the UK climate, although prolonged warm weather does increase the chances.'
In Europe - where cases of West Nile virus have been identified in countries including France, Italy and Portugal - cases tend to be highest in summer and early autumn, when mosquitoes are most active.
In very rare cases, the illness can passed on through blood transfusion, organ donation or vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
In 2024, 1,436 locally acquired cases were reported across 19 EU countries — including France, Spain and Italy - resulting in 125 deaths.
That's a sharp rise from 802 cases in the same period last year, suggesting the virus is gaining ground.
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The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
My ADHD diagnosis at 34 was ‘clear as hell' – here's how I've silenced the caffeinated squirrels rioting in my brain
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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
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I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
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In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking As she held a huge pile of Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, This is usually a result of a rapid Advertisement Not only this, but in All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? 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Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that t hese observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, Advertisement Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Numerous other It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' Advertisement A third commented: 'I've had the longest and Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough Advertisement Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using The injections are licensed for patients with 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Advertisement The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
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TWEAKMENTS In the 30 years I have been writing and talking about beauty, there has been a revolution in tweakments. Back then only celebrities had Botox and But what's really worth your money? 'Neuromodulators (Botox) for sure,' says This Morning's expert Dr Wassim Taktouk of The Taktouk Clinic. 'In 15 minutes, you can erase expression lines caused by frowning, smiling and raising your eyebrows in a way that no product can match. 'During the few days after your treatment, you will slowly notice your lines softening and then maybe even disappearing,' he adds. Trust me, 99% of famous people are having tweakments, they just like to deny it! Lasers are a great way of erasing oil . Don't feel guilty: no one knew better at the time. A doctor can use a laser to target redness, brown spots, large pores, uneven texture and even those annoying chin hairs. The key is to find a clinic you trust and an aesthetician who knows their stuff. Don't be afraid to ask friends and contacts for recommendations. FILLER I am reluctant to recommend filler simply because it does not suit all face shapes. I have a large face that's prone to puffiness, so it's not for me. If, however, you have a fine bone structure, thin face or lips and want to put that young, plump look back into your face, then it can work wonders. SURGERY I am going to say this once and very loudly: if you are looking in the mirror and lifting your skin up with your fingers in an attempt to get rid of a turkey neck and sagging cheeks or jowls, no tweakment can replicate that effect. That's when celebrities choose deep plane facelifts. Hollywood can forgive smile lines and grey hair, but it's very unforgiving of a lax jawline or neck, so a lot of famous women and men over 50 have lower facelifts. It's why looking at celebrities the same age as you should never make you feel bad, as they have all had a lot of work done. Having said that, if you are considering surgery and can afford it, a facelift will restore the facial contours you had 20 years ago. 9 Liz Hurley works hard to maintain her body Credit: Getty BODY If you want to look and feel better, you need to do three things - walk everywhere, lift weights to build muscle and bone strength, and do some sort of core exercise like yoga or Pilates. I haven't worked out in three years since moving house and I have noticed the difference in my flexibility and strength, and I've developed the dreaded bingo wings. Elizabeth Hurley works out to look good when she's wearing a bikini. 9 Liz wows in a bikini while holidaying in the Maldives last month Credit: Instagram In their 20s, many women are blessed with good genes, but in their 60s, anyone who still feels confident wearing a bikini has worked really hard for it. They will also have watched what they eat very carefully. When it comes to skin, the body needs the same ingredients as the face. Skin is skin, so no neck cream or cellulite cream, no stretchmark cream or miracle slimming gel is going to work. It's simple – wear SPF when you go in the sun and use a retinol body lotion every night. 9 To reduce scars and texture on your body, use a retinol moisturiser Credit: Naturium Naturium Retinol Body Lotion, £27 Suitable for daily use, this thick body lotion sinks in quickly, smooths rough texture and moisturises limbs while fading scars and stretch marks over time. Don't expect miracles - slow and steady wins the race with bodycare. HAIR Your hair changes texture as it ages – it can become thin and fine and what's there can change to weirdly frizzy if it goes grey. To colour or not colour is up to you, but if you go lighter, remember to keep your roots and underneath sections slightly darker as that is far more youthful. Apply a hair oil to your mid-lengths and ends before shampooing, and also use it afterwards to smooth and add shine. 9 This bargain oil will help reduce frizz and strengthen hair Credit: Pantene Pantene Repair & Protect Hair Oil, £7.99 Don't overspend on haircare – trust me, the big beauty brands really deliver. If your hair is starting to thin, have a blood test. 'You need to check your hormones and nutrition levels, as knowing the cause of hair loss and the type of hair loss means we can treat it,' explains trichologist Lisa Caddy at Philip Kingsley. No supplement can replace good medical advice. Finally, remember what Hollywood legend Bette Davis said: 'Getting old is not for sissies.' But it's also a huge privilege. Follow Nadine on Instagram Everything you need to know about hair loss Marie Nieuwoudt, a Group Education Manager at What are the common causes of hair loss? Marie explained: "There are so many reasons why someone may face hair loss. "The number one reason is usually hormonal changes or underlying health conditions (like thyroid conditions), and stress of course also plays a big part in changes to your hair health. "But another very common day-to-day cause is excessive damage to your hair created by mistakes in your styling routines – and this a big one to be aware of for people who are regularly applying heat to their hair! "It's important to know the right temperature for your hair type when using styling tools, as this is essential in reducing unintentional heat damage. "I also see a lot of people facing hair loss resulting from hereditary conditions, which are passed down from generation to generation." What are the best hairstyles people should try to reduce their hair loss? According to Marie: "Less is more when it comes to hair loss! It's important to be gentle with your hair, so a low-maintenance style that limits pulling on your scalp will be your best option. "Putting your hair up in a tight ponytail or adding hair clips can cause stress points at the roots. "Instead, try leaving your hair down, or out. "You're not limited in your options, but it pays to be intentional with your hair styling. Using tools which limit damage to your hair is vital. "Discussing your concerns with a hairdresser or hair loss specialist is also a great way to find styles that suit your specific needs, whilst still making sure you look and feel your best." How long does it take for hair loss to stop? If you're itching to know when your hair will grow back, Marie confirmed: "Hair loss is a personal journey – and it's different for everyone, so it's very difficult to put exact timings on this process. "Every head of hair is unique, and so too is your hair loss experience. "As always, you can speak to a professional hairdresser or trichologist about your specific concerns and hair changes, and they'll be able to help you manage those expectations. "I can't emphasise enough how important it is to be kind to your hair. Most people treat their hair quite roughly, and this is something you definitely want to avoid when dealing with hair loss in particular. "Make sure you're choosing products and styling routines that you know are good for your hair, rather than causing additional damage."
