Control measures have been implemented to destroy the larvae and the area will continue to be monitored closely
A potentially fatal mosquito species has been found breeding in East London homes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
This is the first time they have been found here. It is thought they got here accidentally via a bag, a vehicle, or through plants. They were found via the Mosquito Watch scheme, which was established to identify invasive species.
They are usually found in tropical or subtropical climates. Control measures have been implemented to destroy the larvae and the area will continue to be monitored closely to identify and eradicate any further mosquitoes and larvae.
Despite multiple heatwaves this summer, the UK climate is still too cold for colonies to survive longterm, according to the UKHSA. However, it is expected that in a warming climate, we will continue to see incursions of invasive mosquitoes, and increased reports of them being able to survive in the UK,
The health body’s head of medical entomology, Dr Jolyon Medlock, said: “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. As a precaution, residents can help reduce opportunities for all species of mosquitoes to breed by removing standing water from gardens and outdoor spaces, including water that collects in buckets, containers, paddling pools and plant pots. “
And Dr César López-Camacho, from Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford, described it as an “important finding” but not one to worry about. He added the UK will see increasing similar cases as temperatures rise.
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