BUG ALERT
Warning to Brits as deadly paralysing tropical virus detected in the UK for first time – and there’s no vaccine
'While this is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected,' one expert says
A TROPICAL virus that can leave victims paralysed has been detected in Britain for the first time, health officials have said.
Traces of the West Nile bug, which is usually limited to Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, have been found in mosquitoes in Nottinghamshire, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
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The virus can cause severe, life-threatening illness in around one in 150 people who catch it, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
UKHSA bosses insist the risk to the public is "very low" and that the virus "does not spread easily between people".
In the last 25 years, only seven cases have been brought into the UK by travellers - and none have caught it locally.
The virus mainly lives in birds and animals but, in rare cases, it jumps to humans.
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People become infected when native UK mosquitoes, called Aedes vexans, bite them after picking up the virus from birds.
A UKHSA and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) research programme found traces of the virus in mosquitoes caught in Britain in 2023 - the first sign of its presence on UK soil.
The infected mozzies were found on the banks of the River Idle, near Gamston, where flooding and standing water encourages them to gather.
Only two out of 200 groups that were tested showed traces of the virus and the UKHSA said there is no sign it is in general circulation.
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"While this is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe," said Dr Meera Chand, a deputy director for travel health and infections at UKHSA.
In 2024, 1,436 locally acquired cases were reported across 19 EU countries — including France, Spain and Italy - resulting in 125 deaths.
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That’s a sharp rise from 802 cases in the same period last year, suggesting the virus is gaining ground.
Last year, protests were held in Seville, Spain, after the death of five people infected with the disease.
Experts warn the risk could grow as warmer weather in the UK makes conditions more suitable for non-native species.
Warmer temperatures allow invasive mosquitoes and ticks to survive, breed and spread - increasing the chances of viruses like West Nile gaining a foothold.
Symptoms and treatments
Experts say about 80 per cent of people do not get any symptoms.
Around two in 10 develop flu-like symptoms: fever, body aches, headache, rash, and nausea.
In rare cases it can trigger muscle weakness, eye pain, vision loss, numbness, neck stiffness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and seizures.
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People over 50 or with health conditions like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are at higher risk of serious illness.
The illness can develop into West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), which affects the nervous system.
It has a mortality rate of up to 17 per cent, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
There is no specific treatment for WNV, but doctors recommend rest, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain relief.
However, in more serious cases, patients need to be admitted to hospital.
The virus can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns.
There is no vaccine for WNV, but it is not contagious.
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The mosquito is often found in wet areas, so experts recommend getting rid of standing water sources.
They also advise taking personal measures such as using mosquito repellent and bed nets.
What can I do to prevent mosquito bites?
The Fit for Travel website says if you are travelling to an area affected by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, spread by mosquitoes, you should take action to protect yourself.
Some mosquitoes are more active in the day time while others at night - so it is important to protect yourself at all times.
It says: "If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history."
To protect yourself:
Use a good quality insect repellent
The higher the strength, the longer the repellent should prevent mosquitoes landing on you.
An effective repellent contains at least one of; DEET (50% concentration for areas where there is malaria), Icaradin/Picardin (at least 20% concentration, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized (at least 30% concentration), IR3535 (but not for malaria areas).
Apply:
- On all areas of skin not covered by clothes
- After sun screen
- Regularly, particularly if you notice mosquitoes around you
- After swimming, washing or excessive sweating
- On the face, by spraying the repellent on the hands first
Loose clothing
Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so loose-fitted clothing is ideal.
Consider a high neckline, long sleeves, long trousers and socks.
Remember to apply insect repellent on areas not clothed.
Mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can protect you at night when sleeping and are even better if treated with insecticide.
Check for any holes in the net before using it. If a hole is apparent, then this should be mended.
You should tuck the net under your mattress or ground sheet during the night, and either collapse it down, or keep it tucked up during the day to stop insects flying under and into the net.
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