Scientists comment on news from UKHSA that an invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) has been detected in east London – Professor Heather Ferguson, Professor of Infectious Disease Ecology, University of Glasgow, and lead of the Mosquito Scotland project, said: How significant is this news that this species has been detected in the UK?
This finding is significant – The Aedes aegypti mosquito is primarily responsible for the transmission of many diseases mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses. This mosquito is primarily found in the tropics, which is where the greatest public health burden of these diseases fall. Climatic conditions in the UK, including where it was found in London, are currently not likely to be suitable for these diseases to spread – however this could change in in coming years with warming temperatures.
To make sure these diseases do not pose a risk to the UK public in the future, it is important that this mosquito species does not establish in the UK. In addition to their role in spreading diseases under the right environmental conditions, it can also cause a lot of nuisance biting. This is definitely something we do not want to get a foot hold in the UK…
Source: Science Media Centre | Climate Change
Science Media Centre | Climate Change
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