Invasive mosquitoes which can spread dangerous dengue and Zika viruses are found breeding in London homes

AN INVASIVE mosquito species has been found breeding in the UK for the first time. The insects are known to transmit diseases including dengue and Zika virus. An invasive mosquito species has been discovered to be breeding for the first time in the UK in east London Credit: Joao Paulo Burini The risk to the public remains low, according to health chiefs, as the UK climate is generally too cold for this specific species to survive long-term. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stressed that this is the first time the species has been found breeding in the UK. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Alarms were first raised about the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito species by the UKHSA’s Mosquito Watch surveillance scheme. It is the fourth time the species has been spotted in the UK in recent years, but the first time for breeding on British soil. The UKHSA is increasing its surveillance and trapping of the species after insects and larvae were spotted in east London residential properties. The agency has put measures in place to destroy the larvae found within the area and will continue to monitor the area to get rid of any further mosquitoes or larvae that may arise. The species is typically found in tropical and subtropical countries and known to “hitchhike” in vehicles, baggage and imported plants. The mosquitoes are known to transmit viruses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Most read in Health Head of medical entomology and zoonoses ecology at UKHSA, Dr Jolyon Medlock, said: “While Aedes aegypti can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in countries where these infections are circulating, the risk to the public from this finding is assessed as very low. “There is no evidence that these mosquitoes have caused human infections and importantly, to date, there is no evidence of the mosquitoes or larvae being detected in nearby public areas. “We believe these mosquitoes are accidental importations. “Invasive mosquitoes can hitchhike in vehicles, baggage and imported plants, and if they find a suitable climate, can survive. “Despite evidence of breeding in this local area and the recent heatwaves, the species is not established in the UK and cannot survive long-term in the typical UK climate, which is too cold overall.” To help reduce the opportunity for any species of mosquito to breed, the UKHSA has advised people to remove any standing water from their gardens, including stagnant water collected in buckets, containers and plant pots. Comment now