Latest news with #Flaviviridae
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
West Nile virus found in UK for first time as health experts 'enhance surveillance'
West Nile virus found in UK for first time as health experts 'enhance surveillance' The virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Britain for the first time The Welsh Nile virus typically circulates through mosquitoes West Nile Virus has been detected in the UK for the first time, prompting health experts to ramp up surveillance efforts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have identified fragments of West Nile Virus genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Britain. West Nile Virus is a vector-borne disease from the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. It is usually found in birds, and typically circulates through bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare cases, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses. The virus is endemic in various regions across the globe, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and North America, as well as South America, USA and Australia. The geographic range of West Nile Virus has expanded in recent years to more northerly and western regions of mainland Europe, reports the Mirror. Most people infected with West Nile Virus are asymptomatic or present with mild influenza-like symptoms such as fever, headache or myalgia, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. While most mild infections resolve within a few days, a small number of cases (under 1%) can cause more severe illness. 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. Article continues below "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." There have been no cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus detected in humans or horses in the UK to date, although seven travel-associated cases have occurred since 2000. Experts said that on available surveillance, there is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitos in the UK. Disease surveillance and control activities are being enhanced in light of the findings. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here Currently, the main risk of West Nile Virus for UK residents continues to be travel to endemic areas overseas. Dr Arran Folly, Arbovirologist at APHA and lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, added: "The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas. Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health. "Our primary focus is to understand how viruses move into the country and how they are transmitted. Combined this can help us identify areas that may be at increased risk of outbreaks. "The Vector-Borne RADAR project brings together a wealth of expertise across government and wildlife charities, to enhance the surveillance we undertake in the United Kingdom for mosquito-borne diseases. "Aedes vexans are native to the UK and although they can be found widely at very low densities, in a few locations in England they can occur at high densities associated with summer flooded river landscapes. "While uncommon, they are known to cause nuisance biting in a small number of areas in the country, including in villages along the River Idle near Retford, Nottinghamshire, where summer flooding and poor drainage is experienced. Recent efforts have taken place to manage the mosquito populations and to minimise suitable habitats for the main nuisance biting mosquito." Article continues below
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Forget Covid — Another deadly virus has been detected in the UK for the first time and there's no vaccine
While Covid cases are rising in India and Singapore, the United Kingdom has another deadly disease to worry about. 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 British mosquitoes. WNV is part of the Flaviviridae virus family, which also includes dengue and yellow fever. The virus typically circulates among birds and is spread by mosquitoes that bite infected birds. Occasionally, the virus can infect humans and horses. Globally, WNV is found in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and parts of Asia and Australia — and its reach has recently expanded into more northern and western regions of mainland Europe. Most people infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms or only mild flu-like signs such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes. These cases usually resolve on their own within a few days. However, less than 1% of infections can lead to serious illness, particularly neurological complications. To date, the UK has not reported any locally acquired human or equine cases, though there have been seven travel-related human infections reported since 2000. Also, current evidence does not indicate that the virus is actively circulating among birds or mosquitoes in the UK, but authorities have ramped up surveillance to monitor the situation closely. Speaking to The Mirror, Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, 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 gives us early warning of potential threats so we can improve disease surveillance and ensure appropriate patient testing.' Live Events Dr. Arran Folly of the APHA added: 'The detection of West Nile Virus in the UK reflects a broader shift driven by climate change, which is enabling mosquito-borne diseases to spread to new regions. Ongoing surveillance is essential to assess and mitigate risks to both animal and public health.' The Aedes vexans mosquito, which can carry WNV, is native to the UK and found in low numbers across much of the country. As per the Mirror, in certain flood-prone regions, such as villages along the River Idle near Retford, Nottinghamshire, their population can spike during the summer. Though these mosquitoes are known for their nuisance biting, recent efforts have been made to manage their habitats and reduce their presence.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Scientists reveal location where deadly contagious disease found in UK mosquitos for first time
Scientists reveal location where deadly contagious disease found in UK mosquitos for first time West Nile Virus starts off with a flu-like illness with body aches and vomiting and can lead to fatal meningitis West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitos and it has been discovered in insects in England for the first time (Image: Getty ) Scientists have revealed the location where the deadly West Nile Virus has been found in the UK for the first time. It is transmitted by mosquitos and it has been discovered in insects in England. A research programme by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has identified fragments of West Nile Virus (WNV) genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Britain for the first time. West Nile Virus is a vector borne disease belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. It is usually found in birds, and typically circulates through bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare cases mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses. Symptoms, when they occur, start 2-14 days after the mosquito bite. Those who become ill, can experience a flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches and vomiting/diarrhoea. Some people may develop a rash. Very rarely WNV also causes infection of the brain and its lining, (encephalitis or meningitis) and this may be fatal. The virus is endemic in various regions across the world, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and North America, as well as South America, USA and Australia. The geographic range of West Nile Virus has expanded in recent years to more northerly and western regions of mainland Europe. But it has never been found in the UK before. The fragments were detected through the Vector-Borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) programme by APHA, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, in 2 samples of Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected by UKHSA from wetlands on the River Idle near Gamston ( Retford ), Nottinghamshire, during July 2023. Article continues below This is the first evidence of West Nile Virus detected in a mosquito in the UK. A further 198 pools from the same site tested negative The UKHSA has assessed the risk to the general public as very low, but is issuing advice to healthcare professionals so that patients with encephalitis of unknown cause can be tested as a precaution through UKHSA's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. There have been no cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus detected in humans or horses in the UK to date, although 7 travel-associated cases have occurred since 2000. Based on available surveillance, there is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitos in the UK. Disease surveillance and control activities are being enhanced in light of the findings. Currently, the main risk of West Nile Virus for UK residents continues to be travel to endemic areas overseas. 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." Dr Arran Folly, Arbovirologist at APHA and lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project said: "The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas. Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health. "Our primary focus is to understand how viruses move into the country and how they are transmitted. Combined this can help us identify areas that may be at increased risk of outbreaks." As temperatures warm due to climate change, tick and mosquito species not currently native to the UK will begin to find the UK's climate more bearable making it easier for them to survive, reproduce and establish a local population. Other species of mosquito, some of which have the potential to transmit infectious disease, can arrive in the UK in several ways, such as by becoming trapped in cars and lorries crossing the border into the UK. Officials say they may also be transported through trade channels in containers which are shipped internationally. UKHSA's wider vector surveillance programmes involve monitoring transport hubs such as motorway service stations and truck stops, as well as other high-risk sites, to ensure that these invasive insects can be detected and eradicated before they disseminate more widely. Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, added: Our surveillance, which led to this discovery, monitors for mosquitoes across Britain to understand the distribution, density and activity across the country. We also monitor mosquito nuisance biting, so anyone experiencing this can contact our mosquito surveillance scheme and provide an image or sample. Where are mosquito hot spots Mosquitoes breed in a range of natural wetlands, but can also be common in gardens, breeding in container habitats like water butts and buckets. Reducing opportunities for some mosquito species to access these containers with lids, or turning them over, can reduce mosquitoes numbers around our homes. Article continues below Mosquitoes in the UK are also commonly found in wet woodland areas and various aquatic habitats, including ponds, ditches, marshes, and even garden water butts or cisterns. To avoid being bitten by a mosquito when in these types of areas, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to cover your arms and legs, use insect repellent on your skin (ideally one that contains the ingredient DEET), close windows and doors whenever possible, or use blinds or screens.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Deadly West Nile virus found for the first time in UK mosquitoes
The virus has never been found in Great Britain The deadly West Nile Virus has been found in a UK first, and health experts are now taking measures to try and contain it. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified fragments of the fatal virus' genetic material in mosquitoes collected in the UK for the first time ever. West Nile Virus is a vector borne disease that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Similar diseases that belong to this same family include viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. Although the disease circulates through mosquitoes, it is usually found in birds that have been bitten by the infected insects. Humans and horses have rarely contracted the disease after being bitten by infected mosquitoes, reported the Mirror. The virus is endemic in various regions across the world, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and North America, as well as South America, USA and Australia. The geographic range of West Nile Virus has expanded in recent years to more northerly and western regions of mainland Europe. But it has never been found in the UK before. Most people infected with West Nile Virus are asymptomatic or present with mild influenza -like symptoms such as fever, headache or myalgia, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. While most mild infections resolve within a few days, a small number of cases - under one percent - can cause more severe illness. 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.' There have been no cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus detected in humans or horses in the UK to date, although seven travel-associated cases have occurred since 2000. Experts said that on available surveillance, there is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitoes in the UK. At the moment, the main risk of West Nile Virus for UK residents continues to be travel to endemic areas abroad. Dr Arran Folly, Arbovirologist at APHA and lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, added: 'The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas. Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health. 'Our primary focus is to understand how viruses move into the country and how they are transmitted. Combined this can help us identify areas that may be at increased risk of outbreaks. 'The Vector-Borne RADAR project brings together a wealth of expertise across government and wildlife charities, to enhance the surveillance we undertake in the United Kingdom for mosquito-borne diseases." "Aedes vexans are native to the UK and although they can be found widely at very low densities, in a few locations in England they can occur at high densities associated with summer flooded river landscapes. "While uncommon, they are known to cause nuisance biting in a small number of areas in the country, including in villages along the River Idle near Retford, Nottinghamshire, where summer flooding and poor drainage is experienced. "Recent efforts have taken place to manage the mosquito populations and to minimise suitable habitats for the main nuisance biting mosquito." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptoms of killer virus found in UK for first time
West Nile virus genetic material in mosquitoes has been detected in Britain for the first time - here are the symptoms of the virus that you need to look out for As West Nile virus is detected in the United Kingdom, there are some key symptoms that will alert you to infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has identified fragments of West Nile Virus genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Britain for the first time. West Nile virus is a vector-borne disease that belongs to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes viruses responsible for dengue and yellow fever. The virus is primarily found in birds and is typically transmitted through bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare instances, mosquitoes can spread the virus to humans or horses. Around 1 in 5 individuals with the virus experience symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a rash. While most people recover fully from these symptoms, fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or even months. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe illness. About 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develop serious conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord). Severe symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, and even paralysis. Although anyone can develop severe illness, older adults (especially those aged 55 and above) are at greater risk, with about 1 in 50 in this age group experiencing severe symptoms. People with certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and those who have received organ transplants, are also at increased risk. Recovery from severe illness can take weeks or months, and some individuals may experience long-term effects. Approximately 1 in 10 people who develop severe neurological symptoms may not survive. However, most people infected with the West Nile virus show no symptoms. Around 8 out of 10 people who contract the virus will not experience any symptoms at all. 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.' There have been no cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus detected in humans or horses in the UK to date, although 7 travel-associated cases have occurred since 2000.
