Zika virus Q&A - everything we know about deadly infection after mosquito breeds in UK for first time

Zika virus Q&A - everything we know about deadly infection after mosquito breeds in UK for first time A mosquito species linked to several viruses including Zika and dengue has been discovered breeding in the UK for the first time - health experts revealed why the risk to the public at the moment is low An invasive mosquito species known to spread the Zika virus has been found breeding in the UK for the first time. The virus, which is spread to humans mainly by infected mosquitoes, has previously been a concern in other parts of the world. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), however, revealed the insects and larvae linked to this virus were found at residential properties in east London. It is the fourth time the species has been detected in the UK in recent years but the first case of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and larvae being found breeding here. This mosquito species can also transmit other diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya. Although people very rarely die from the Zika virus, some complications can be serious. Experts have revealed the risk to the public is low and shared why they believe the invasive species has been found in the UK. What is Zika virus? The Zika virus is mostly spread by infected mosquitoes. Zika virus is mostly found in parts of: South and Central America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands Africa and Asia. For most people the virus is mild and not harmful, but it can cause problems if you're pregnant, according to the NHS. Zika virus can cause serious problems during and after pregnancy, including the child having an unusually small head (microcephaly), premature birth, stillbirth and loss of the baby before birth. The NHS recommended that anyone worried that their unborn baby could be affected by Zika virus speaks to their doctor or midwife. How likely am I to catch the virus? Although the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and larvae have been found at residential properties in east London, experts said the risk to the public is low. The UKHSA said control measures were implemented to destroy the larvae, and the area would be monitored closely to eradicate any further mosquitoes and larvae. Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, 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." Dr César López-Camacho, Jenner Investigator at the Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, said: "From an arbovirus perspective, I would see this as an early warning rather than an immediate public-health threat. The significance is that one of the components necessary for transmission has temporarily been demonstrated here. "For an outbreak to occur, the virus also needs to be introduced, usually through an infected traveller, and environmental conditions must allow mosquitoes to survive long enough for the virus to replicate and be transmitted onwards. We therefore should not be alarmist, but neither should we regard mosquito-borne viruses as exclusively tropical diseases. The epidemiology of arboviruses in Europe is changing." What if I have been bitten by a mosquito recently? Prof Tom Solomon CBE, Director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool, reiterated that the immediate risk in London and the UK was low. The professor said: "A mosquito bite in east London is overwhelmingly likely to be an irritating bite rather than a sign of dengue, chikungunya or Zika. Treat the itching in the usual way and try not to scratch it. "If someone becomes significantly unwell, particularly with fever, rash, severe headache or confusion, they should seek medical advice and mention any recent overseas travel. Recent travel to a country where one of these viruses is circulating would be much more relevant than an uncomplicated mosquito bite in London." What are the symptoms of Zika virus? Most people have very few or no symptoms if they get the virus, according to the NHS. Some common symptoms include a high temperature, headache, red eyes, swollen joints and muscle pain, lower back pain and a rash or itching all over the body. If you do have symptoms, they're usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days. People should call 999 or go to A&E if they have recently travelled to a county where the Zika virus is a risk and have numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness or pain in your feet and hands that spreads to your arms and legs, according to the NHS. Are there treatments for the virus? There are no specific treatments for the Zika virus, according to the NHS. Someone who is pregnant and has the virus should speak to their doctor or midwife about the risks. People with symptoms of Zika should rest, drink lots of fluids and take pain relief, like paracetamol. How did the mosquitos get to the UK? Scientists shared that the rising temperatures in the UK and across Europe could be behind these discovery. Dr Medlock 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 López-Camacho said: "Temperature is extremely important for arbovirus transmission. Warmer conditions can accelerate mosquito development, extend the period in which mosquitoes remain active and, critically, increase the rate at which viruses such as dengue or chikungunya replicate within a competent mosquito." The expert added: "At present, the normal UK winter remains a major barrier to permanent establishment of Aedes aegypti. So finding breeding mosquitoes does not mean that the species is now established here."