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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mosquitoes in the UK now carry a dangerous virus, here's how to stay safe this summer
For the first time, the West Nile virus ( WNV ) has been detected in mosquitoes in the United Kingdom, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The virus was identified in Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected from wetlands near the River Idle in Nottinghamshire during July 2023 as part of the Vector-Borne RADAR surveillance program. WNV is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes but can infect humans and horses occasionally. While most human cases are asymptomatic, about 20% of infected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, and in rare instances, severe neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis can occur. Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, stated, "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, with no evidence of the virus circulating in birds or mosquitoes beyond the detected samples. However, health authorities are enhancing surveillance and advising healthcare professionals to consider WNV in cases of unexplained encephalitis. Dr. Arran Folly, who led the project, noted, "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." Live Events How to stay safe from West Nile Virus(WNV) Even though the risk is low, health experts recommend the following steps to stay protected: Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, trousers, and socks help reduce skin exposure. Use mosquito nets: Especially when sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito activity. Remove standing water: Empty flower pots, birdbaths, or buckets where mosquitoes can breed. Install screens: Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. FAQs What is the West Nile virus caused by? A single-stranded RNA virus from the Flavivirus genus causes West Nile virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex species. The virus cycles between mosquitoes and birds, with humans as incidental hosts. Are dengue and West Nile virus the same? No, dengue and West Nile virus are not the same, though both are flaviviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, headache, and joint pain, while West Nile virus often presents flu-like or neurological symptoms. West Nile can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which is less common than dengue. Is there a West Nile virus in the UK? Yes, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the UK. Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire in July 2023 tested positive. There's no evidence of ongoing virus circulation, and no locally acquired human or horse cases have been reported. The risk to the general public remains very low. Which mosquito carries the West Nile virus? The West Nile virus is primarily carried and transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, especially species such as Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, and Culex quinquefasciatus. These mosquitoes feed mainly from evening to morning and are the primary vectors spreading the virus among birds and humans.
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
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'.
Metro
21-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time
Evidence of West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in UK for the first time, the government said. Experts put the blame on climate change, saying warmer weather has made it possible for mosquitoes to spread further north than they have in previous years. West Nile virus, part of the flavivirus family, can cause neurological disease and death in humans – although most people will make a full recovery. The UK Health Security Agency said there is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation, with the risk to general public 'very low'. Dr Meera Chand, the body's 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, lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project which studied the mosquitoes, 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. More Trending '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.' More to follow. MORE: Everything we know so far about the new world-first gonorrhoea vaccine MORE: Urgent recall issued for popular ice cream brand over plastic contamination fears MORE: The dangerous new social media trend that could leave children needing a stoma
