West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time

The West Nile virus was first discovered in the UK for mosquitoes, said the UKHSA Health Security Agency.

He added that the risk for the general public is “very low”, but tips for healthcare professionals will be issued.

Western Nile virus causes either many minor symptoms, or none, but about 20% of cases can experience headache, fever and eruption of the skin.

There is currently no evidence that suggests the continued spread of the virus in birds or mosquitoes in the UK, the health agency said.

There are no cases of Western Nile virus in people acquired in the UK so far – although there are seven cases related to 2000 trips.

West Nile virus is endemic in several regions around the world, including parts of South America and Europe, and has expanded in recent years.

UKHSA Research Program and the APPA Health Agency (APPA) opened fragments of mosquito virus collected in the UK in 2023.

“Although this is the first detection of the Western Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected, as the virus is already widespread in Europe,” says Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director of Travel Health and UKHSA infections.

Dr. Aran Foley, the project management, which found the virus, said its discovery was part of “wider changing landscape, where after climate change, diseases carried by mosquitoes are expanding to new areas.”

While Aedes vexans The mosquito is a native of the UK, he added that warming temperatures can bring non -powerful species to the UK and with them the potential of infectious disease.

Last year, Protests took place in Seville, SpainAfter the death of five people infected with the disease.

The basket is often found in wet areas. Experts recommend getting rid of standing water sources – where they multiply – and take personal measures, such as the use of mosquito repellent and bed nets.