The West Nile virus has been detected in Aedes vexans mosquitoes in the UK, marking a concerning first for health officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) assures the public that the risk of virus transmission is "very low" and that no local human infections have been reported.
The virus predominantly spreads among birds but can infect humans through mosquito bites, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including headaches, high fever, and at times serious complications like encephalitis or meningitis. Notably, no specific treatments or vaccines are available for those infected.
The UKHSA, in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), identified the virus fragments in mosquitoes collected near Retford, Nottinghamshire, in 2023. Dr. Meera Chand of UKHSA noted that this detection is not unexpected, given that the virus is already prevalent in various parts of Europe.
Recent climate changes have contributed to the northward movement of mosquitoes and diseases, with Dr. Arran Folly mentioning it as part of a "wider changing landscape." The native Aedes vexans species could be joined by non-native species due to rising temperatures, further increasing the risk of infectious disease.
Experts, including Prof. James Logan from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, consider the development serious but not alarming, with existing surveillance systems in place to monitor mosquito activity. Prof. Heather Ferguson from Glasgow University added that while UK-native mosquito species can transmit the virus, current unfavorable conditions limit this transmission.
Preventative measures against mosquito breeding, such as eliminating standing water and using repellents, are recommended. Comparatively, last year, Spain faced protests after several deaths linked to the virus, heightening awareness about this growing concern.
The virus predominantly spreads among birds but can infect humans through mosquito bites, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including headaches, high fever, and at times serious complications like encephalitis or meningitis. Notably, no specific treatments or vaccines are available for those infected.
The UKHSA, in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), identified the virus fragments in mosquitoes collected near Retford, Nottinghamshire, in 2023. Dr. Meera Chand of UKHSA noted that this detection is not unexpected, given that the virus is already prevalent in various parts of Europe.
Recent climate changes have contributed to the northward movement of mosquitoes and diseases, with Dr. Arran Folly mentioning it as part of a "wider changing landscape." The native Aedes vexans species could be joined by non-native species due to rising temperatures, further increasing the risk of infectious disease.
Experts, including Prof. James Logan from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, consider the development serious but not alarming, with existing surveillance systems in place to monitor mosquito activity. Prof. Heather Ferguson from Glasgow University added that while UK-native mosquito species can transmit the virus, current unfavorable conditions limit this transmission.
Preventative measures against mosquito breeding, such as eliminating standing water and using repellents, are recommended. Comparatively, last year, Spain faced protests after several deaths linked to the virus, heightening awareness about this growing concern.
