Two species of disease-carrying mosquitoes—Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the Egyptian mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian tiger or forest mosquito—have been detected in the United Kingdom, raising public health concerns linked to climate change. Scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified Egyptian mosquito eggs near London Heathrow Airport in September 2023 and found Asian tiger mosquitoes at a motorway service station in Kent in August 2024. Both species, historically associated with subtropical and tropical climates, are known vectors of serious diseases including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and dirofilariasis.

These findings are part of ongoing surveillance efforts coordinated by the UKHSA, which monitors the presence of invasive mosquito species at high-risk locations such as ports, airports, service stations, and distribution centres. The agency also engages the public through the Mosquito Recording Scheme to report sightings and biting incidents across the country. When invasive species are detected, swift measures are taken to control their spread, including eliminating breeding sites and deploying traps to capture adult mosquitoes.

Research published by the UKHSA and the Centre for Climate and Health Security highlights the increasing likelihood of these mosquitoes establishing populations in southern England due to rising temperatures and milder winters. Urban areas, particularly cities like London, are becoming more climatically favourable to the Egyptian and tiger mosquitoes, increasing the risk of arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The study, appearing in the journal Global Change Biology, notes that climate change-driven factors—such as higher temperatures and increased rainfall—create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed and expand their range northward from mainland Europe.

Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2060, the yellow fever mosquito could establish itself in London for between one and four months each year, potentially extending to five months by century’s end. This translates to a growing seasonal risk of mosquito-borne diseases as climate warming continues. Additionally, the recent detection of West Nile virus in UK mosquitoes—though without evidence of human transmission så far—underscores the expanding threat posed by vector-borne diseases under changing environmental conditions.

Government health officials and scientists stress the importance of enhanced surveillance and preparedness to mitigate these risks. The UKHSA Advisory Board, in its July 2025 report, called for increased readiness to address emerging environmental hazards related to invasive mosquitoes and the diseases they could introduce. The shifts in mosquito populations and virus prevalence internationally demand coordinated responses to protect public health.

Complementing these measures, innovative biological control efforts are underway in Europe. For instance, a Spanish laboratory is breeding and sterilising thousands of male tiger mosquitoes weekly to reduce populations and curb the spread of diseases such as dengue. Such programmes demonstrate proactive steps that could be considered or adapted for the UK as part of broader strategies against mosquito-borne illnesses.

While these diseases are not currently endemic in the UK, the convergence of climate change, urbanisation, and global travel increases the risk of future outbreaks. Without timely and effective interventions, experts warn the UK faces the real possibility of invasive mosquito populations becoming established, posing new challenges for public health in an era of environmental change.

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Source: Noah Wire Services