For the first time, an invasive species of mosquito known to transmit diseases such as dengue and Zika virus has been discovered breeding in the UK.
Health officials said the risk to the public remains low, noting that despite recent heatwaves, the broader UK climate is too cold for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to establish long-term.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has increased surveillance and trapping efforts after adult insects and larvae were found at residential properties in east London.
It is the fourth time the species has been detected in the UK in recent years.
They are known to “hitchhike” in vehicles, baggage and imported plants and can survive in suitable climates.
However, it is the first time they have been found to be breeding, UKHSA said.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are usually found in tropical and subtropical countries and are a transmitter of viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
They were detected in east London through the UKHSA Mosquito Watch scheme.
Control measures have now been put in place to destroy the larvae.
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, Dr Medlock said the UK would continue to see cases of invasive mosquitoes and increased reports of them being able to survive in the warming climate.
The UKHSA said people could reduce opportunities for all mosquito species to breed by removing standing water from gardens, including water collected in buckets, containers and plant pots.
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