Scientists reveal location where deadly contagious disease found in UK mosquitos for first time
West Nile Virus starts off with a flu-like illness with body aches and vomiting and can lead to fatal meningitis
West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitos and it has been discovered in insects in England for the first time
(Image: Getty )
Scientists have revealed the location where the deadly West Nile Virus has been found in the UK for the first time. It is transmitted by mosquitos and it has been discovered in insects in England.
A research programme by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has identified fragments of West Nile Virus (WNV) genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Britain for the first time.
West Nile Virus is a vector borne disease belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. It is usually found in birds, and typically circulates through bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare cases mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses.
Symptoms, when they occur, start 2-14 days after the mosquito bite. Those who become ill, can experience a flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches and vomiting/diarrhoea. Some people may develop a rash. Very rarely WNV also causes infection of the brain and its lining, (encephalitis or meningitis) and this may be fatal.
The virus is endemic in various regions across the world, 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.
But it has never been found in the UK before. The fragments were detected through the Vector-Borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) programme by APHA, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, in 2 samples of Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected by UKHSA from wetlands on the River Idle near Gamston ( Retford ), Nottinghamshire, during July 2023.
Article continues below
This is the first evidence of West Nile Virus detected in a mosquito in the UK. A further 198 pools from the same site tested negative
The UKHSA has assessed the risk to the general public as very low, but is issuing advice to healthcare professionals so that patients with encephalitis of unknown cause can be tested as a precaution through UKHSA's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.
There have been no cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus detected in humans or horses in the UK to date, although 7 travel-associated cases have occurred since 2000. Based on available surveillance, there is no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitos in the UK. Disease surveillance and control activities are being enhanced in light of the findings. Currently, the main risk of West Nile Virus for UK residents continues to be travel to endemic areas overseas.
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Deputy Director for travel health, zoonoses, emerging infections, respiratory and tuberculosis, said: "While this is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe.
"The risk to the general public is currently assessed as very low. Vector research of this kind is designed to give us early warning of potential threats so that we can enhance our disease surveillance and control activities and ensure patients receive appropriate testing."
Dr Arran Folly, Arbovirologist at APHA and lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project said: "The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas. Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health.
"Our primary focus is to understand how viruses move into the country and how they are transmitted. Combined this can help us identify areas that may be at increased risk of outbreaks."
As temperatures warm due to climate change, tick and mosquito species not currently native to the UK will begin to find the UK's climate more bearable making it easier for them to survive, reproduce and establish a local population. Other species of mosquito, some of which have the potential to transmit infectious disease, can arrive in the UK in several ways, such as by becoming trapped in cars and lorries crossing the border into the UK.
Officials say they may also be transported through trade channels in containers which are shipped internationally. UKHSA's wider vector surveillance programmes involve monitoring transport hubs such as motorway service stations and truck stops, as well as other high-risk sites, to ensure that these invasive insects can be detected and eradicated before they disseminate more widely.
Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, added:
Our surveillance, which led to this discovery, monitors for mosquitoes across Britain to understand the distribution, density and activity across the country. We also monitor mosquito nuisance biting, so anyone experiencing this can contact our mosquito surveillance scheme and provide an image or sample.
Where are mosquito hot spots
Mosquitoes breed in a range of natural wetlands, but can also be common in gardens, breeding in container habitats like water butts and buckets. Reducing opportunities for some mosquito species to access these containers with lids, or turning them over, can reduce mosquitoes numbers around our homes.
Article continues below
Mosquitoes in the UK are also commonly found in wet woodland areas and various aquatic habitats, including ponds, ditches, marshes, and even garden water butts or cisterns. To avoid being bitten by a mosquito when in these types of areas, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to cover your arms and legs, use insect repellent on your skin (ideally one that contains the ingredient DEET), close windows and doors whenever possible, or use blinds or screens.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Scotsman
What is Botox and the symptoms of botulism after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: 'If you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.' How do you know if someone is qualified to do Botox? Botox injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the Botox must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). You can find out more about cosmetic procedures, what to consider and how to choose a provider at
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Scotsman
What is Botox and the symptoms of botulism after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: 'If you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.' How do you know if someone is qualified to do Botox? Botox injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the Botox must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horrifying ancient meal loved by Neanderthals is a dieter's dream – but would YOU eat sickening dish?
Similar to the historical diets of some indigenous communities, Neanderthals too may have dined on decaying meat FORK-ET THAT! Horrifying ancient meal loved by Neanderthals is a dieter's dream – but would YOU eat sickening dish? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEANDERTHALS may have feasted on maggot-infested meat as a core part of their diet, according to a new study. But the pungent delicacy was more than simply "starvation rations", said Melanie Beasley, assistant professor of anthropology at Purdue University, Indiana. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Research from Beasley and her team suggests that Neanderthals had a hidden delicacy: maggots Credit: Getty A number of Indigenous communities have viewed putrefied - or fermented - meat as highly desirable. It is easier to digest, meaning the body can better and more quickly absorb nutrients without cooking. Experts have long known that Neanderthals - our extinct human ancestor - were omnivores, eating meat and vegetables like most modern people. But chemical signatures found in Neanderthal remains suggest they ate as much meat as lions. Analysis of their bones found too much nitrogen than what a classic omnivore would have. But hominins simply cannot tolerate eating the high levels of protein that large predators can. When humans eat as much protein as Earth's apex predators – or hypercarnivores – over long periods of time, without consuming enough other nutrients they can develop protein poisoning. Also known as "rabbit starvation", protein poisoning can lead to malnutrition and death. Research from Beasley and her team suggests that Neanderthals had a hidden delicacy: maggots. Similar to the historical diets of some indigenous communities, Neanderthals too may have dined on decaying meat. Stunningly lifelike face of 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman in her 40s recreated after 'best-preserved' skull found It is this that would have boosted their internal nitrogen levels to hypercarnivore-levels, according to the study. Maggots, which are fly larvae, can be a fat-rich source of food. They are unavoidable after you kill another animal, easily collectible in large numbers and nutritionally beneficial. Melanie Beasley, assistant professor of anthropology at Purdue University, Indiana "We suspected that maggots could have been a different potential source of enriched nitrogen-15 in the Neanderthal diet," Beasley explained in a recent article published in The Conversation. "Maggots, which are fly larvae, can be a fat-rich source of food. "They are unavoidable after you kill another animal, easily collectible in large numbers and nutritionally beneficial." Beasley and her colleagues used data from a forensic anthropology project focused on how nitrogen might help estimate time since death to investigate the possibility. "I had originally collected modern muscle tissue samples and associated maggots at the Forensic Anthropology Center at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to understand how nitrogen values change during decomposition after death," she said. "While the data can assist modern forensic death investigations, in our current study we repurposed it to test a very different hypothesis. "We found that stable nitrogen isotope values increase modestly as muscle tissue decomposes, ranging from -0.6 permil to 7.7 permil." The researchers found that maggots found in dried, frozen or cached animal foods would have inflated the nitrogen levels in ancient humans during the Late Pleistocene era. Research shows that [nitrogen-15] values are higher for cooked foods, putrid muscle tissue from terrestrial and aquatic species, and, with our study, for fly larvae feeding on decaying tissue. "Neanderthals' cultural practices, similar to those of Indigenous peoples, might be the answer to the mystery of their high [nitrogen-15] values. "Ancient hominins were butchering, storing, preserving, cooking and cultivating a variety of items. "All these practices enriched their paleo menu with foods in forms that nonhominin carnivores do not consume. "Research shows that [nitrogen-15] values are higher for cooked foods, putrid muscle tissue from terrestrial and aquatic species, and, with our study, for fly larvae feeding on decaying tissue." Although maggots may not solely explain the lion-like nitrogen levels in Neanderthals, according to the researchers. It is still unclear how many maggots an ancient human would need to eat to account for so much nitrogen. More research is needed on changes in nitrogen-15 values of foods processed, stored and cooked following Indigenous traditional practices to "help us better understand the dietary practices of our ancient relatives," said Beasley.
