Deadly Zika virus mosquito found breeding in Britain for the first time

Deadly Zika virus mosquito found breeding in Britain for the first time An official warning has been issued as the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which can spread the Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever is detected breeding in the UK A deadly mosquito has been found breeding in Britain for the first time following a series of heatwaves. The UK Health Security Agency has warned families how to protect their properties after detecting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which can spread the Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. The invasive species was discovered near residential properties in east London and it is the first time they have been found with their larvae in Britain. It follows years of warnings that rising temperatures due to climate change is triggering the movement of insects north through Europe. Health chiefs say there is currently no evidence of any locally acquired human infection linked to this detection. Dr Jolyon Medlock, head of zoonoses ecology at the UKHSA, said: “We believe these mosquitoes are accidental importations. Invasive mosquitoes can hitchhike in vehicles, baggage and imported plants, and if they find a suitable climate, can survive. “Despite evidence of breeding in this local area and the recent heatwaves, the species is not established in the UK and cannot survive long-term in the typical UK climate, which is too cold overall. “However it is expected that in a warming climate, we will continue to see incursions of invasive mosquitoes, and increased reports of them being able to survive in the UK.” Dr Medlock has spent years trying to delay or prevent the establishment of invasive mosquito species in Britain. The fear is that one day such mosquitoes will be able to lay eggs that survive the winter as they are difficult to control once established. Until now the odd Aedes aegypti mosquito was detected in the UK after travelling over on lorries from abroad but conditions were not right for them to breed. This meant there was no risk of onward transmission of the diseases it can carry here in the UK. Zika virus can pass from a pregnant person to a foetus and prevent the baby’s brain from developing correctly. It can cause the condition microcephaly meaning the baby is born with an abnormally small head. Dengue fever can in severe cases cause extreme bone pain, lead to bleeding from the nose and gums before potential fatal organ failure. Yellow fever can also result in organ failure while chikungunya can leave sufferers with arthritis-like joint pain. Dr Medlock said: “While Aedes aegypti can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in countries where these infections are circulating, the risk to the public from this finding is assessed as very low. "There is no evidence that these mosquitoes have caused human infections and importantly, to date, there is no evidence of the mosquitoes or larvae being detected in nearby public areas. The Mirror joined Dr Medlock and his team looking for mosquitoes on the Somerset Levels, near Glastonbury, in 2019. They have traps set up at key possible breeding locations around the country such as wetlands in Kent, Cambridgeshire, The Humber, Midlands, the North East and North West. The UKHSA said the Aedes aegypti larvae in east London has been destroyed and the area will continue to be monitored. Enhanced surveillance and trapping is underway nationwide. Dr Medlock added: "As a precaution, residents can help reduce opportunities for all species of mosquitoes to breed by removing standing water from gardens and outdoor spaces, including water that collects in buckets, containers, paddling pools and plant pots. “Members of the public can support mosquito detection through UKHSA's Mosquito Watch scheme and submit photographs or specimens where possible. We will continue to monitor the situation closely."