Invasive mosquito species breeding in UK for first time
The UKHSA has said the public health risk remains low, with no evidence of human infections linked to the mosquitoes discovered in east London
An invasive mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, has been discovered breeding in the UK for the first time. The species can transmit several viruses, including yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Although Aedes aegypti has previously been detected in the UK, this is the first time it has been found reproducing. The mosquitoes were discovered in homes in east London. The species commonly breeds in small amounts of stagnant water around homes, such as in containers, buckets, and plant pots.
These mosquitoes are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are thought to have been introduced to the UK accidentally, potentially through luggage, vehicles or imported plants.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said measures were now being taken to eliminate mosquito larvae, while surveillance and trapping had been increased in the area.
The mosquitoes were identified through the UKHSA’s Mosquito Watch surveillance scheme, which allows members of the public to report mosquitoes and submit photographs or specimens to help monitor invasive species.
Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, said there was no evidence that the mosquitoes had caused human infections in the UK, or that the insects or their larvae had been detected in nearby public areas.
Although the UK has experienced high temperatures and heatwaves throughout the summer, Dr Medlock noted that the species would not be able to survive long-term, as the overall climate was too cold.
Dr Medlock added that the finding was assessed as a “very low” risk to the public. However, he warned that the UK could see more invasive mosquito species as the climate warms, with some potentially becoming able to survive for longer periods.
As extreme heat continues to affect the northern hemisphere, experts warn that a strengthening El Niño could further increase weather, health, and insurance risks worldwide.