Eggs of mosquitos capable of carrying Zika virus are found for the first time in UK in small Kentish village – as council send in pest control to eradicate threat
Alarmed homeowners in Stanford, Kent, were sent letters saying Asian Tiger Mosquito eggs had been found near their properties
THE eggs of a mosquito capable of carrying the Zika virus have been found for the first time in the UK - in a small village in Kent.
Fifteen homeowners in Stanford, Kent, were delivered letters on Friday alerting them that a small number of Asian Tiger Mosquito eggs had been found near their properties.
Shepway District Council commissioned Cannon Pest Control to visit their homes and spray gardens that could contain the eggs.
They are believed to have been found at an M20 motorway services, suggesting they could have come over in lorries from the continent.
The mosquito is native to south East Asia but has spread to other countries through the transport of goods, and has been known to share viruses including yellow fever and the Zika virus.
Samantha Cox, who received the letter on Friday, said: "I was suspicious at first as it wasn't formally addressed to me, just 'The Occupier.'
"I expected them to come round in big suits and great big spray guns but it was all very quiet.
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"It's just something they have to do. They sprayed the water butt and anything that might collect water.
"They said the spray creates an oil film and suffocates the eggs.
"I don't mind them doing it if they're careful. We've got to protect our own species but you have to be careful about what they are spraying into the water."
The Zika virus has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.
Public Health England said no further evidence of the insect had been detected and that there was "currently no risk to public health in the UK."
Jolyon Medlock, head of medical entomology at Public Health England, said: "We regularly monitor mosquito species and look for any which are new to the UK.
"Enhanced monitoring of the area was implemented and no further of this mosquito has so far been found.
"As a precaution we advised the local authority to use insecticide as a means of control."
What is the Zika virus?
The virus is spread mainly by mosquitoes and poses a serious threat to pregnant women.
It leads to birth defects including abnormally small heads (microcephaly).
It does not naturally occur in the UK, and outbreaks have previously been reported in the Pacific region.
The virus has now spread to South and Central America as well as the Caribbean.
Experts predict it will spread to all other countries in the Americas, with the exception of Chile and Canada.
It is recommended pregnant women postpone non-essential travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission.
