Deadly virus found in UK for first time as public sent major warning
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.
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