West Nile Virus Detected in UK Mosquitoes for First Time
A killer disease spread by mosquitoes has been detected in UK insects for the first time, sparking fears of human infection. West Nile virus, usually limited to Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, has been found in mosquitoes circulating in Nottinghamshire. According to the Daily Mail, health officials have sounded the alarm, calling for vigilance and investment in long-term preparedness for potential outbreaks.
The Daily Mail reports that there have been no cases of the disease being contracted in the UK so far, but there have been seven travel-associated cases in Britain since 2000. West Nile virus is usually found in birds and typically circulates through avian-biting mosquitoes. However, in rare cases, mosquitoes have been known to transmit the virus to humans. Professor James Logan, mosquito-borne disease specialist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: "This is a moment to recognise that the UK is no longer immune to some diseases once considered tropical."
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses have stressed that the overall risk to the public is "very low" and the virus "does not spread easily between people." However, they have added that mosquito surveillance and control activities are being "enhanced" in the wake of the findings. Officials detected the virus in samples taken from Aedes vexans mosquitoes, a native British species, from wetlands on the River Idle near the village of Gamston in Nottinghamshire.
The positive result, found in two individual mosquitoes tested in 2023, is the first time the disease has been detected in an insect in Britain and raises the possibility it could spread to the public. About one in five people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and a spotty rash covering the trunk, head, neck, fingers, and toes. These can last a few days to several weeks, with patients treated using fluids, bed rest, and over-the-counter painkillers.
Of those with symptoms, less than one percent will develop a severe form of the disease — called West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) — which can be deadly. In this, the virus infects the brain and causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the organ, leading to seizures, disorientation, paralysis, and coma. About three to 15 percent of WNND patients die from the disease, as the virus infects and shuts down cells that carry instructions for the body to breathe.
Young children, adults over 50, and those who have weaker immune systems are most at risk of fatal illness. Dr. Meera Chand, UKHSA deputy director for travel health and emerging infections, said it wasn’t too surprising that the virus had reached Britain given its known presence in other European nations. However, officials added the risk to the public was low.
Dr. Arran Folly, arbovirologist at the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, said West Nile virus reaching the UK was a demonstration of how climate change was helping pathogens reach Britain. "The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas," he said. "Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health."
The Daily Mail reports that the disease has been present in the US for decades, detected first in 1999. With the virus now spreading among native mosquitoes, about 2,000 Americans fall ill with West Nile virus each year, of which about 120 are killed. One patient who knows all too well the dangers posed by West Nile virus is Fabio Caruso, a former professional wrestling champion who was bitten by a mosquito carrying the pathogen in 2023.
For protection against West Nile virus, officials advise people to wear insect repellent, as well as long-sleeve tops and pants in the evenings and early mornings — when mosquitoes are most active. Individuals have also been advised to remove any standing water near their home, as this can be a place where mosquitoes can breed. West Nile virus was discovered in 1937 in Uganda.
As the UK continues to monitor the situation, health officials are urging the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. With the risk of human infection present, it is essential to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent the spread of the disease. The UKHSA and other health authorities will continue to work together to assess the risk and provide guidance to the public.
In conclusion, the detection of West Nile virus in UK mosquitoes is a concerning development that highlights the need for continued surveillance and preparedness. While the risk to the public is currently low, it is essential to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to remain informed about the situation. The Daily Mail will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
