Mosquitoes in the UK now carry a dangerous virus, here's how to stay safe this summer
West Nile virus
(
WNV
) has been detected in mosquitoes in the United Kingdom, according to the
UK Health Security Agency
(UKHSA). The virus was identified in Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected from wetlands near the River Idle in Nottinghamshire during July 2023 as part of the Vector-Borne RADAR surveillance program.
WNV is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes but can infect humans and horses occasionally. While most human cases are asymptomatic, about 20% of infected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, and in rare instances, severe neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis can occur.
Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, stated, "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, with no evidence of the virus circulating in birds or mosquitoes beyond the detected samples. However, health authorities are enhancing surveillance and advising healthcare professionals to consider WNV in cases of unexplained encephalitis.
Dr. Arran Folly, who led the project, noted, "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."
Live Events
How to stay safe from West Nile Virus(WNV)
Even though the risk is low, health experts recommend the following steps to stay protected:
Avoid mosquito bites: Use
insect repellents
that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, trousers, and socks help reduce skin exposure.
Use mosquito nets: Especially when sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito activity.
Remove standing water: Empty flower pots, birdbaths, or buckets where mosquitoes can breed.
Install screens: Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
FAQs
What is the West Nile virus caused by?
A single-stranded RNA virus from the Flavivirus genus causes West Nile virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex species. The virus cycles between mosquitoes and birds, with humans as incidental hosts.
Are dengue and West Nile virus the same?
No, dengue and West Nile virus are not the same, though both are flaviviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, headache, and joint pain, while West Nile virus often presents flu-like or neurological symptoms. West Nile can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which is less common than dengue.
Is there a West Nile virus in the UK?
Yes, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the UK. Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire in July 2023 tested positive. There's no evidence of ongoing virus circulation, and no locally acquired human or horse cases have been reported. The risk to the general public remains very low.
Which mosquito carries the West Nile virus?
The West Nile virus is primarily carried and transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, especially species such as Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, and Culex quinquefasciatus. These mosquitoes feed mainly from evening to morning and are the primary vectors spreading the virus among birds and humans.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Philadelphia confirms first West Nile Virus mosquito pool; know all about the viral disease, symptoms and treatment
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recently confirmed the first positive mosquito pool for the West Nile virus (WNV) in the city. The same was detected in a sample collected near Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia. While no case of human beings being affected has been yet reported, here's taking a look at the virus, disease, and symptoms... What is West Nile Virus West Nile virus is a viral disease that is transmitted mainly by the bites of infected mosquitoes. This virus can cause illnesses in people, and severe health issues (in rare cases). Let's learn more... Understanding West Nile Virus West Nile virus is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is a member of the Flaviviruses, which also includes Zika, dengue and yellow fever viruses. The virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and has since spread to other parts of the world including Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia. The main hosts of the virus are birds and mosquitoes, which feed on infected birds, who can then transmit the disease to humans and other animals like horses. How Do People Get Infected Most people get infected with West Nile virus through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus in the mosquitoes is acquired by feeding on birds that already carry the virus. The virus can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants and from mother to child during pregnancy, but these cases remain rare. When and Where Is West Nile Most Common The West Nile virus infections are mostly encountered during the mosquito season that runs from summer to early fall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo The cases are reported throughout the year in the warmer areas. West Nile Virus Symptoms Most People Have No Symptoms About 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus, do not have any symptoms. Most people will not even know they were infected. Mild Symptoms About 20 percent of the infected people (1 in 5) will develop mild symptoms of West Nile fever that are known as 'West Nile fever.' These can include: Fever Headache Body aches or muscle pains Tiredness or weakness Skin rash on the trunk (upper body) Swollen lymph glands Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Most of the mild cases recover on their own, and do not need any further medical intervention. These symptoms usually start between 3 and 14 days after the mosquito bite, and can last for several weeks. Severe (Serious) Symptoms Less than 1 in 150 infected people (under 1%) will get severe symptoms. The severe symptoms are a result of the virus entering the brain and nervous system, which results in serious conditions like meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Serious signs include: High fever Severe headache Stiff neck Disorientation or confusion Muscle weakness or paralysis Tremors or convulsions (shaking) Loss of consciousness or coma Sensitivity to light Seizures The risk of severe illness is high for the elderly people, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic diseases. In rare cases, the infection can lead to permanent damage to the nervous or brain systems or can be deadly. Long-Term Effects The people who have had severe infections may experience some effects for months or even years, such as: Persistent tiredness or weakness Memory problems Headaches Trouble with balance How Is West Nile Virus Diagnosed Doctors usually diagnose West Nile virus by: Looking at symptoms Asking about recent mosquito exposure Doing blood tests or testing fluid from the spinal cord to check for the virus or antibodies Treatment for West Nile Virus No Specific Medicine There is no cure or specific treatment for West Nile virus. Antibiotics are not used since the disease is caused by a virus not bacteria. For mild cases: Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own. Doctors suggest: Rest Drinking plenty of fluids Taking over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and aches, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen For severe cases: People who have serious symptoms usually have to go to the hospital for supportive care while their body is fighting off the virus. This can include…Patients receive IV (intravenous) fluids for dehydration prevention purposes. Prevention Since a cure does not exist, it is crucial to minimise mosquito bites. This can be done by: Applying mosquito repellents that contain DEET or other authorized ingredients. Wear full sleeved clothes and pants from dusk to dawn, because mosquitoes become most active during these times. The application of screens to windows and doors, functions as an effective barrier against mosquito entry. You must eliminate all standing water from flower pots, buckets and tires throughout your home, since it enables mosquito breeding. Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Johns Hopkins Medicine World Health Organization (WHO) Cleveland Clinic
India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
Silent Tsunami: The Return Of A Killer Germ That No Drug Can Stop
New Delhi: In the world of medicine, some enemies disappear quietly. Others evolve, hide in plain sight and return stronger. Typhoid fever is one of them. Once tamed by antibiotics, this ancient killer is back with a vengeance. It does not knock. It does not wait. And this time, the drugs do not work. In hospitals across the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), a pattern has begun to emerge. Not a fluke. Not a seasonal spike. But a steady and quiet surge. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 702 confirmed cases of typhoid and its cousin, paratyphoid fever, in 2024 alone. That is an 8% jump from the year before. It is the highest count ever seen. The source is not homegrown. This is not an outbreak tied to any one British city. Most of the infections were picked up abroad. Travellers are bringing it back, unwittingly, after visiting regions where the disease still thrives in water and food. But now there is a new twist – the old treatments no longer work. Typhoid is morphing into something scientists fear – a resistant and borderless predator. Much of the threat today comes from Pakistan, where doctors are facing a terrifying challenge. The typhoid strain spreading there is no longer afraid of our antibiotics. Not even the newest ones. This strain, now called extensively drug-resistant Typhi or XDR Typhi, does not respond to the usual weapons – ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones or even cephalosporins. These used to be life-savers. Now they barely scratch the surface. A team of researchers led by Stanford's Dr. Jason Andrews studied nearly 3,500 bacterial samples collected from Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan between 2014 and 2019. What they saw was eye-opening. The number of drug-defiant typhoid strains is growing fast. They are replacing treatable ones. And they are not staying local. The study revealed something more chilling – these mutated bacteria are on the move. Since 1990, scientists have tracked nearly 200 instances of international spread. Southeast Asia. East Africa. Southern Africa. And now, Western countries. Yes, even in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, typhoid superbugs are starting to show up. Every plane ticket. Every border crossing. Every contaminated sip or bite. The bacteria need only one chance. Globally, typhoid and paratyphoid infect around 13 million people every year. Over 1.3 lakh people lose their lives, most of them children in Asia and Africa. Despite its scale, typhoid rarely makes headlines. But that silence is dangerous. Especially now. The only treatment left is oral antibiotics. But their power is fading. Over three decades, the bacteria have gradually built resistance. They have learned. Adapted. And now, they are spreading those learnings across borders. The UKHSA data is just one part of the puzzle. Researchers say there are large blind spots, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. We simply do not have enough bacterial samples from these places. Even in better-monitored countries, the samples usually come from just a handful of sites. That is like trying to map a wildfire by staring at a single tree. That lack of information means something troubling – we may be underestimating the scale of resistance and how fast it is travelling. The bacteria's genes and the mutations that make it immune are quietly crossing oceans. And we are not watching closely enough. Dr. Andrews calls this a 'real cause for concern'. He is not exaggerating. The way these strains have spread shows that typhoid control is a global emergency. Surveillance needs to expand. So do new treatment strategies. And vaccines need to reach where the outbreak begins, not where it ends. We live in an age of mobility. People, goods and germs travel faster than ever.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Ancient killer drug-resistant typhoid strains is becoming untreatable and spreading across the globe; study warns
Drug-resistant typhoid fever is spreading rapidly across borders, raising concerns among scientists and public health authorities. A recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report has identified a troubling rise in typhoid and paratyphoid fever cases, particularly in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These infections, traditionally associated with poor sanitation in developing countries, are now resurfacing with a vengeance, this time in the form of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid strains. Driven by antibiotic resistance and global travel, these Salmonella Typhi superbugs are posing a major challenge to current treatment protocols. Experts warn that the clock is ticking to contain the spread before it becomes a full-blown global crisis. Drug-resistant typhoid becomes global threat, study warns A groundbreaking 2022 study found that S. Typhi is developing resistance to nearly all classes of commonly used oral antibiotics. Researchers analysed 3,489 bacterial genomes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The results showed a dramatic rise in XDR strains—those resistant to older drugs like ampicillin and chloramphenicol, and newer ones such as fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins. Perhaps most concerning is the worldwide spread of these superbugs. The study documented at least 197 instances of international dissemination of XDR Typhi since 1990. These strains have moved beyond South Asia to East and Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and even into Western countries like the UK, USA, and Canada. The scale and speed of this spread indicate that antibiotic-resistant typhoid is no longer a regional issue—it is a global emergency. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lead author Dr. Jason Andrews of Stanford University warned that the rapid evolution and spread of drug-resistant typhoid demand immediate international intervention. He emphasised that containment efforts must go beyond national borders and include vaccination, sanitation improvements, genomic surveillance, and new drug development. UK records Typhoid surge in 2024 underscoring global health risk The UKHSA's 2024 data recorded 702 typhoid cases, marking an 8% increase from 2023—the highest number ever documented. Though most infections were acquired abroad, this spike emphasizes the global nature of the threat. Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and are typically spread through contaminated food or water. According to the BBC, typhoid and paratyphoid; a fever caused nearly 13 million infections and 133,000 deaths annually. These diseases disproportionately affect school-aged children in Asia and Africa, though they are increasingly seen in wealthier nations due to intercontinental travel and migration. Despite their persistence, these illnesses often remain neglected by health systems in developed countries. Poor data undermines fight against drug-resistant typhoid The study also highlights data limitations. Several regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania, are underrepresented in genomic databases. Most available samples come from limited surveillance sites, meaning that current estimates likely understate the true scale of drug-resistant typhoid's spread. Scientists are calling for expanded genomic sequencing and international data sharing to track and curb these deadly strains more effectively. With antibiotic resistance rising, XDR typhoid now represents one of the biggest microbial threats of our time. While vaccines and improved public health systems can slow its advance, only a coordinated, global effort will prevent this ancient killer from claiming more lives in a modern world ill-prepared for it. Also Read |
