
Deadly virus found in UK for first time as public sent major warning
Deadly West Nile virus has been detected in UK mosquitoes for the very first time, and cases will "almost certainly" continue to rise over the next few decades, it's been claimed
West Nile virus was spotted in the UK for the very first time this week, and an expert has revealed the risk to the wider public will continue to grow.
The virus is a disease that's spread in mosquitoes, and is genetically similar to the more common dengue fever and yellow fever. It generally causes a mild fever, but it can spark some serious complications - and even death.
Scientists detected West Nile virus in UK mosquitoes that were collected in July 2023, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed yesterday. It's endemic across the world - including in southern Europe and Africa - but it's not been found in British mosquitoes until now. There have, however, been seven cases of travel-associated human patients since the year 2000.
Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus are likely to become more abdundant in the UK as the climate gets warmer, according to the University of Southampton's Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, Dr Michael Head. When there's most mosquitoes carrying the virus, it naturally raises the risk to the British public, he warned.
Dr Head told the Mirror: "The West Nile Virus disease is typically a mild fever, but in around 1 percent of cases can turn into a nasty infection, causing neurological consequences and possibly death. The news of West Nile being present in UK mosquitoes is, to be honest, not that surprising. Mosquito-related viruses, such as dengue and also West Nile, have been present across Europe for decades. Parts of Italy see around 100 West Nile cases per year.
"Climate change is supporting the migration of mosquitoes, and with that comes a higher risk of new and emerging infections, such as West Nile Virus. Whilst the threat to the public right now is extremely low, that will almost certainly rise over the next few decades."
The UKHSA said the risk to the public was "very low" after the virus was found in mosquitoes. But, the detection would help scientists to prepare for any potential threats.
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.
"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."
Most people with West Nile virus don't show any symptoms at all, according to the World Health Organization. But, in 20% of all patients, it can lead to a condition known as West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.
The most common symptoms of West Nile fever include headaches, body aches, a high fever, vomiting, and a skin rash on the trunk of the body. In more severe patients, it could lead to convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and even coma.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Warning issued to holidaymakers over rise in cases of Victorian disease
Warning issued to holidaymakers over rise in cases of Victorian disease The UK Health Security Agency has reported an 8% rise from 2023 to 702 cases last year A warning has been issued to UK travellers going abroad (Image: PA ) UK tourists are being alerted to a surge in typhoid fever cases, with the UK Health Security Agency noting an 8% increase in incidents from 2023, with numbers reaching 702 last year. Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, serious but preventable diseases caused by Salmonella bacteria, are typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. The UKHSA previously said: "Typhoid during the Victorian era was incredibly common and remains so in parts of the world where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water." The UKHSA's latest statement confirmed that typhoid is predominantly contracted overseas in areas with inadequate hygiene practices and sanitation. The Agency warned: "Previous surveillance has also highlighted a concerning rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan, which reduces the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, impacting the response to treatment, and increasing the risk of complications." Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here The statement further adds that while some travellers can receive a complimentary typhoid vaccine from their GP, unfortunately, no vaccine exists to combat paratyphoid. Additionally, the UKHSA has observed an alarming amount of malaria diagnoses among individuals returning to the UK. The Agency pointed out: "Provisional data shows that imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK despite a slight decrease in diagnoses to 1,812 in 2024 from 2,106 in 2023. These figures significantly exceed the levels seen in recent years," reports the Liverpool Echo. "Most cases were reported during peak summer travel months between July and October. Malaria is potentially fatal but almost entirely preventable when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly." Article continues below Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, has urged holidaymakers to remain vigilant, stating: "We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers. It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you're visiting friends and relatives abroad or it's somewhere you visit often. "The Travel Health Pro website has information on how to keep yourself and family healthy, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip." Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), added: "Most UK malaria cases occur in Black African people returning from travel to Africa. Community engagement of the African Diaspora in malaria prevention is crucial to reduce imported malaria in the UK. "The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) is leading this charge with our upcoming 'Africans Against Malaria' campaign. It will directly address the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that hinder malaria prevention uptake amongst the UK African diaspora and signpost where to obtain malaria chemoprophylaxis." The UKHSA has advised travellers to seek medical advice from their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before travelling for personalised advice, necessary vaccinations, and malaria prevention tablets, depending on their destination. Those who may need the dengue vaccine should consult a healthcare provider 3 to 4 months prior to their journey. Encouragingly, there has been a decrease in dengue cases reported in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the first quarter of 2025, with only 65 cases compared to 254 in the same period last year. The UKHSA noted that most dengue infections were associated with travel to Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand. The agency highlighted: "Dengue cases have increased substantially globally over the past five years, with exceptionally high levels in 2023 and 2024, and the sustained transmission of dengue is an ongoing global health challenge." The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged holidaymakers to check their destination on the Travel Health Pro website, which provides information on health risks in countries worldwide. In nations where insects spread diseases such as dengue, malaria or Zika virus infection, travellers can safeguard themselves by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net when air conditioning is not available. The UKHSA also advised travellers to: "Ensure your routine childhood vaccines are up to date. Have any recommended travel related vaccines. "A free typhoid vaccination is available from GP surgeries for some travellers, though no vaccine exists for paratyphoid. "Stock up on necessary medications including malaria prevention tablets. Get valid travel insurance to cover your entire trip and planned activities." Article continues below


Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Common pill is putting millions at risk of life-threatening breathing problems, doctor warns
They are pills prescribed to millions in the UK to treat heart conditions and anxiety. But beta blockers may pose a hidden risk to the 7.2 million people living with asthma, an NHS GP has warned. According to the British Heart Foundation, UK doctors issue more than 50 million prescriptions for beta blockers every year. However, Dr Sooj, a family doctor with over 250,000 TikTok followers, cautioned that the drugs can interfere with the way asthma medications work—potentially putting some patients at risk during an attack. Asthma causes symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. While generally manageable, it can become life-threatening, when severely inflamed airways make it extremely difficult to breathe. Asthma UK reports that around 1,200 people die from asthma attacks each year in the UK, while in the US the figure is over 3,500. In a TikTok, Dr Sooj explained: 'If you have asthma you need to be cautious and we need to make sure you're aware of any of the risks and potential complications of taking a beta blocker.' He continued: 'The medications we use in an acute asthma attack are called beta agonists—these help to dilate the pipes in your lungs.' Dr Sooj explained that these beta agonists, found in many common inhalers, work by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. But beta blockers—used to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure—can blunt this effect. 'By doing that, they can worsen the symptoms of asthma,' he said. And it's not just people with asthma who may be affected. Inhalers are also routinely prescribed to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term covering long-term lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These incurable conditions can also cause severe breathing difficulties, and for this group too, beta blockers may pose a risk. The NHS advises patients with asthma or lung disease to inform their doctor before starting beta blockers, to ensure the medication is safe. That said, Dr Sooj added: 'I've seen lots of patients with COPD or asthma who are on beta blockers and they're completely fine with them.' 'But this is a discussion that you should be having with your own doctor.' Dr Sooj added that he still believed beta blockers to be 'excellent medications', and explained developments in the drugs that has improved them. 'We now have cardio selective beta blockers, which... affect the body a bit less.' The new warning follows concerns that a type of beta blocker called propranolol can put patients at risk of 'toxic overdose'—triggering seizures, depression and even cardiac arrest in high doses. Recent research showed the number of prescriptions for propranolol to treat anxiety in the UK doubled between 2003 and 2018. In theory, by keeping blood pressure low, feelings of panic and anxiety are reduced. However some experts have claimed there 'no evidence' that drugs are effective for mental health, and that patients often aren't adequately warned about risk of an overdose. In a recent letter to The Guardian, pharmacist Christopher Sullivan warned that the drug 'is associated with significant adverse outcomes' and urged GPs to exercise 'extreme caution when prescribing these medicines for anxiety'. 'Prescribing these medicines for anxiety is not recommended in national evidence-based guidelines,' he added. It followed comments from GP Dr Amir Khan, who told the newspaper that propananol had been linked to 'higher rates of depression' and warned GPs not to prescribe it to anxious patients who also suffer low mood. 'If you are taking them long term, you can't suddenly stop them,' he added. 'You need to be weaned off them.' The risks are not thought to pertain to those taking the medicine for heart problems and other physical issues like migraine—but experts say patients with mental health troubles are vulnerable to either accidentally or purposefully taking an overdose.


The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Travellers warned as typhoid infections reach new high
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about a record number of travel-linked typhoid and paratyphoid cases. Provisional figures show 702 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2024, an 8 per cent increase from the previous year, and is the highest number ever recorded. Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, can be fatal without prompt treatment; a free vaccine is available for some patients. Imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK, with 1,812 cases diagnosed in 2024, while dengue cases appear to have decreased. Dr. Philip Veal of UKHSA advises travellers to plan ahead, check the Travel Health Pro website for health information, and consult healthcare professionals about necessary precautions and vaccinations.