Two species of disease-carrying mosquitoes have been detected in the UK, raising concerns over potential public health risks as climate change alters the country's mosquito landscape. The Egyptian mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, were recently discovered in surveillance monitoring at a freight warehouse near London Heathrow Airport and a motorway service station near Kent, respectively.

Researchers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlighted these findings in a peer-reviewed study published in PLOS Global Public Health, warning that without timely intervention, invasive mosquito populations could become established, especially in urban areas like London. The study noted that rising temperatures and milder winters are making southern England increasingly hospitable to these species, which are known vectors for serious diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and dirofilariasis. These illnesses pose significant health challenges, sometimes leading to severe complications and prolonged suffering.

The UKHSA coordinates an extensive invasive mosquito surveillance programme targeting high-risk sites including airports, ports, service stations, seaports, ferry terminals, and distribution hubs. This involves setting ovitraps that detect mosquito eggs, followed by immediate action if invasive eggs are found, including searching for breeding grounds within a 300-metre radius and collaborating with local authorities to eliminate potential habitats. The aim is to prevent these mosquitoes establishing breeding populations in the UK, thus mitigating future disease risks.

Officials have underscored that climate change is a driving force behind the shifting distribution of these mosquitoes. Warmer temperatures speed up mosquito development and survival, while increased rainfall creates suitable breeding environments. Combined with factors like international trade and travel, these environmental changes enable invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito to spread into new areas previously unsuitable for their life cycles.

The UKHSA emphasises that its comprehensive surveillance systems provide early warnings of potential mosquito threats and facilitate rapid responses. By working with local governments, healthcare professionals, and the public, the agency seeks to strengthen detection and intervention capabilities to forestall the establishment of disease-carrying mosquitoes and avoid an increased burden of vector-borne diseases on the UK’s healthcare system.

This alert follows warnings from European agencies, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, which has reported rising dengue cases across countries like Italy and France, with more than four million cases and over 2,500 deaths worldwide in recent months. The accelerated spread of these diseases into western Europe reinforces the urgency for robust surveillance and proactive measures in the UK.

In summary, the discovery of Egyptian and Asian tiger mosquitoes in England marks a critical public health development. With climate trends favouring their establishment, and the severe illnesses they carry, experts stress the importance of continued vigilance and decisive action to protect public health.

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Source: Noah Wire Services