Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Spotted in UK for First Time, NHS Warned

A lethal virus has been detected in the UK. mosquitoes for the first time.

The West Nile virus, primarily transmitted to humans through Mosquito bites have been identified.

'S 'Supervision' of the disease has now been intensified, while guidance is being distributed to healthcare providers nationwide.

Experts say that mosquito-borne illnesses are spreading to previously unaffected regions because of climate change.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that West Nile virus can lead to fatalities in very few instances.

Approximately 80 percent of individuals who get infected do not exhibit any signs of illness.

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However, it may lead to serious, potentially fatal influenza-like symptoms in approximately one out of every 150 individuals, according to the WHO.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the risk to the public remains 'very low'.

However, surveillance and control measures are being 'improved' due to the recent discoveries.

'Segments of West Nile virus genetic material' were detected in certain Aedes vexans mosquitoes gathered from wetland areas along the River Idle at Gamston, close to Retford in Nottinghamshire, during July 2023.

The virus typically occurs in birds and frequently spreads via mosquitoes that bite birds.

However, in uncommon instances, mosquitoes might pass the virus to humans or horses.

No instances of West Nile virus being contracted within the UK have been reported; however, since 2000, seven cases associated with international travel have been documented.

UKHSA stated that they have found "no indication of continued spread of the virus among birds or mosquitoes within the UK".

UKHSA is currently providing guidance to healthcare professionals to ensure that patients exhibiting signs of encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – where the origin remains unidentified, undergo testing as a preventive measure.

Dr Meera Chand, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated: "Although this is the initial finding of West Nile virus in mosquitoes within the UK, it was anticipated since the virus is already prevalent across Europe."

The overall danger for the general populace is presently evaluated as extremely minimal.

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This type of vector research aims to provide an early alert for possible threats, enabling us to improve our disease monitoring and containment efforts, ensuring patients get proper testing.

The West Nile virus usually results in symptoms similar to those of the flu but has the potential to cause serious illness.

It is widespread across different areas globally, and specialists report that its 'geographical distribution' has broadened in recent times towards more northern and western sections of continental Europe.

UKHSA has stated that with rising temperatures because of climate change, tick and mosquito species which are not originally from the UK will begin to find the country’s climate increasingly hospitable.

Various species of mosquitoes can enter the UK by stowing away inside vehicles like cars and trucks that cross borders, as well as within shipping containers.

Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) stated: "The discovery of West Nile virus in the UK reflects broader shifts driven by climate change, leading to the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses into previously unaffected regions."

Our main priority is to grasp how viruses enter the nation and their transmission patterns.

Together, this can assist us in pinpointing regions that might have an elevated chance of experiencing outbreaks.

Dr Jolyon Medlock, of the UK Health Security Agency, stated: "In the UK, mosquitoes typically inhabit damp woodlands as well as numerous watery environments such as ponds, ditches, marshes, and can even be found in garden water butts or tanks."

To prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes in such environments, opt for wearing loose-fitting clothes with full coverage like long sleeves and pants to protect your limbs. Apply an insect repellent containing DEET onto exposed skin where needed. Whenever feasible, keep windows and doors shut or fitted with netting or screening.

Professor Matthew Baylis from the University of Liverpool stated that the discovery should not be considered as a significant reason for concern.

He stated: "The West Nile virus is connected to the dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus."

The West Nile virus is spread between birds via mosquitoes.

The virus might have made its way into the UK via mosquitoes, potentially transported by wind currents or stowed away in vehicles such as planes, trains, or cars.

However, it is far more probable that it was introduced by a migrating bird, subsequently consumed by mosquitos.

This shouldn’t raise substantial alarm: over recent years, the expansion of West Nile from southern to northern Europe hasn’t resulted in notable public health problems, despite occurrences in both people and horses. It wouldn’t surprise me if we encounter a handful of instances in the UK as well.

We must increase monitoring efforts in humans, birds, and mosquitoes.

This is particularly crucial because serious instances that come to light through reports to medical or veterinary officials often represent just the tip of the iceberg; numerous individuals or horses may carry the virus without exhibiting any symptoms or signs.

Professor James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine commented, “Even the presence of West Nile Virus in just a few native mosquito populations indicates that the pathway has been opened.”

The extent to which the virus spreads will hinge on a mix of environmental, biological, and human elements – including our level of preparedness.