Deadly mosquito virus detected in uk for first time as nhs 'put on alert'

'SURVEILLANCE' OF THE DISEASE HAS BEEN STEPPED UP 15:31, 21 May 2025 A deadly virus has been identified in UK mosquitoes for the first time. West Nile virus, which mainly spreads

to people through mosquito bites, has been detected. 'Surveillance' of the disease has now been stepped up, while advice is being issued to health workers across the country.

According to experts, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas due to climate change. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that West Nile virus can be fatal in rare cases.

About 80 per cent of people who are infected do not show any symptoms. Article continues below READ MORE: PRINCESS DIANA'S BODYGUARD MADE CHILLING CLAIM ABOUT PARIS CAR CRASH But it can

cause severe, life-threatening flu-like illness in about one in 150 people, the WHO said. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that the risk to the public is 'very

low'.. But surveillance and control activities are being 'enhanced' in light of the findings. 'Fragments of West Nile virus genetic material' were found in some

Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected in wetlands on the River Idle at Gamston, near Retford in Nottinghamshire, in July 2023. The virus is usually found in birds and often circulates through

bird-biting mosquitoes. But in rare cases, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses. There have been no cases of West Nile virus acquired in the UK but seven case linked to

travel have been identified since 2000. The UKHSA said there is “no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitoes in the UK”. The UKHSA is now issuing advice to

health workers so that patients with encephalitis – or swelling of the brain – of an unknown cause can be tested as a precaution. Dr Meera Chand, from the 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. _DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST AND BREAKING STORIES BY SIGNING UP TO THE BIRMINGHAMLIVE NEWSLETTER HERE._ "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." West Nile virus typically causes

flu-like symptoms but can lead to severe illness. It is endemic in various parts of the world, with experts telling how the 'geographic range' has expanded in recent years to more

northerly and western regions of mainland Europe. The UKHSA said that as temperatures warm due to climate change, tick and mosquito species not currently native to the UK will start to find

the UK’s climate more 'bearable'. Other types of mosquito can arrive in the UK such as by becoming trapped in cars and lorries crossing borders and in shipping containers. Dr Arran

Folly, from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) 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. "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." Dr Jolyon Medlock, from the UKHSA, said: "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." Professor Matthew Baylis, from the University of Liverpool, said the finding should not be a 'major cause for concen'. He said: "West Nile virus is related

to dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. "West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes between birds. "It is possible that the virus

entered the UK in mosquitoes, perhaps carried to the UK on winds, or hitching a ride in a plane, train or automobile. "But it is much more likely that it was brought in by a migratory

bird, which was then fed upon by mosquitoes. "This should not be a major cause of concern: the spread of West Nile from southern Europe to northern Europe in the last few years has not

led to a significant public health issue, although there have been cases in both humans and horses – I will not be surprised if we see a few cases in the UK too. "There is a need to

heighten surveillance, in humans, birds and mosquitoes. Article continues below "This is especially important given that severe cases that report or are reported to medical or

veterinary authorities tend to be the tip of the iceberg, with many infected people or horses carrying the virus but not showing symptoms or signs." Professor James Logan, from the

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, added: "The detection of West Nile virus in even a small number of local mosquitoes is a signal that the door is now open. "Whether

the virus takes hold will depend on a combination of environmental, biological and human factors – including how well we prepare."