West Nile Virus Detected in UK for the First Time: Health Experts Step Up Surveillance

West Nile Virus has been detected in the UK for the first time, prompting health experts to ramp up surveillance efforts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have identified fragments of West Nile Virus genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Britain.

The West Nile Virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of diseases transmitted via vectors, similar to those causing dengue and yellow fever. This virus primarily affects birds and generally spreads between them through mosquito species that feed on birds.

In rare cases, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses.

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The virus is endemic in various regions across the globe, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and North America, as well as South America, USA and Australia. The geographic range of West Nile Virus has expanded in recent years to more northerly and western regions of mainland Europe, reports the Mirror .

Many individuals who contract West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms or experience only minor flu-like signs including fever, headaches, muscle pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and rashes. Typically, these milder instances clear up within several days; however, less than one percent of cases may lead to more serious health issues.

Dr Meera Chand, the deputy director for travel health, zoonoses, emerging infections, respiratory issues, and tuberculosis at UKHSA, stated: "Although this is the initial discovery of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes within the UK, it was anticipated since the virus has become prevalent across Europe."

The overall risk for the general population is considered very minimal at present. Such vector studies aim to alert us about possible dangers ahead, enabling us to improve our monitoring and management of diseases, ensuring that individuals get suitable tests when needed.

So far, no instances of locally transmitted West Nile Virus have been identified in humans or horses within the UK. However, seven travel-related cases have been reported since the year 2000.

Specialists have stated that based on current monitoring, there is no indication of continued spread of the virus among birds or mosquitoes within the UK. In response to these observations, disease tracking and containment measures are being intensified. Keep updated with the most recent health developments by subscribing. our newsletter here

At present, the primary risk of contracting West Nile Virus for people in the UK remains their travel to regions where the virus is widespread abroad.

Dr Arran Folly, an arbovirologist at APHA and the head of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, commented: “The discovery of West Nile virus in the UK reflects broader shifts due to climate change, leading to the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses into previously unaffected regions. Ongoing monitoring remains crucial for evaluating risks to both human and animal wellbeing.”

Our main priority is to grasp how viruses enter the nation and their transmission patterns. This combined knowledge will assist us in pinpointing regions that might face higher risks of outbreaks.

"The Vector-Borne RADAR project brings together a wealth of expertise across government and wildlife charities, to enhance the surveillance we undertake in the United Kingdom for mosquito-borne diseases.

Aedes vexans are indigenous to the UK and, despite being present across wide areas in very small numbers, they can reach high concentrations in certain parts of England during summers when rivers flood their banks.

Although rare, these mosquitoes can lead to bothersome bites in certain regions across the nation, such as in villages situated alongside the River Idle close to Retford, Nottinghamshire, which face issues like summertime floods and inadequate water management. Recently, initiatives have been undertaken to control the mosquito population and reduce their breeding grounds.

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