AN INVASIVE mosquito species has been discovered to be breeding for the first time in the UK.
The species is known to transmit diseases including dengue and Zika virus.
The risk to the public remains low according to health officials, as the climate in the UK is overall too cold for the specific species to survive long-term, despite recent heatwaves.
It is the first time the species has been found to be breeding in the UK said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The species is called the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has been detected in the UK four times in recent years.
The UKHSA is increasing its surveillance and trapping of the species after insects and larvae were spotted in east London properties.
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The agency has put measures in place to destroy the larvae found within the area.
The insects are typically found in tropical and subtropical countries and known to “hitchhike” in vehicles, baggage and imported plants.
They are known to transmit viruses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
Head of medical entomology and zoonoses ecology at UKHSA, Dr Jolyon Medlock, 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.
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“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.”
To help reduce the opportunity for any species of mosquito to breed, the UKHSA has advised people to remove any standing water from their gardens, including stagnant water collected in buckets, containers and plant pots.