West Nile Virus Detected in UK Mosquitoes for First Time
In a significant development, fragments of the West Nile virus have been detected in mosquitoes collected in the UK, according to research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The discovery was made at ponds near Retford, Nottinghamshire in 2023, marking the first time the virus has been detected in UK mosquitoes.
The UKHSA and APHA have been monitoring the situation closely, and according to Dr Meera Chand, deputy director for travel health and infections at UKHSA, the detection is not unexpected. "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," Dr Chand said, as reported by the BBC.
The West Nile virus is usually present in several regions across the world, including parts of Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, and has expanded in recent years. The virus causes either very minor symptoms or none at all – but around 20% of infected people can experience headaches, high fever and skin issues. In rare cases, it can kill through serious brain illnesses, including encephalitis or meningitis.
The detection of the virus in UK mosquitoes is part of a "wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas", according to Dr Arran Folly, who led the project which found the virus. The Aedes vexans mosquito is native to Britain, but warming temperatures may bring non-native species to the UK and, with them, the potential of infectious disease.
While there have been no human cases of West Nile virus acquired in the UK to date, there have been seven cases of the disease linked to travel to other countries since 2000. The UKHSA and APHA are working to assess the risk of transmission and to put measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The BBC reports that no specific treatment or vaccines exist for humans, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and research into the virus. As the UK continues to experience changing weather patterns, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus is likely to increase. The UKHSA and APHA will continue to work together to assess the risk and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of the virus.
As Dr Arran Folly noted, the detection of the virus in UK mosquitoes is a reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of climate change. The BBC has reported that the UKHSA and APHA are working to raise awareness of the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases and to develop strategies to prevent their spread. With the continued expansion of the virus in Europe and other parts of the world, it is essential that the UK remains proactive in its approach to monitoring and mitigating the impact of West Nile virus.
