The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is undertaking enhanced
surveillance and trapping activities following the
detection of invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and
larvae at residential properties in east London.
The initial finding was reported through UKHSA's Mosquito Watch
surveillance scheme and is the first time that Aedes
aegypti has been identified breeding in the
UK. It is the fourth time this
species has been detected in the UK in recent
years.
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.
UKHSA operates a range of programmes
to monitor mosquitoes and other vectors, providing
early warning of new or invasive species and supporting rapid
public health action where required.
Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses
Ecology at UKHSA, 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. 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.
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. Members
of the public can support mosquito detection through
UKHSA's Mosquito Watch
schemeand submit photographs or specimens where
possible. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
