Zika fears as Asian tiger mosquitoes carrying deadly disease reach Britain
FEARS of a potential Zika outbreak have been raised after mosquitoes carrying the deadly disease reached the UK.
Experts have warned the Saharan heat bubble currently scorching Europe could entice a "plague of hungry mosquitoes" next week.
A combination of recent downpours and hot weather makes ideal breeding conditions for the bloodthirsty insects.
In the UK, we're more used to seeing a species known as Culex pipiens - but in recent years, there have been more sightings of the Asian tiger mosquito.
Three years ago, eggs were found for the first time in a small village in Kent.
Since then, experts say there have been more incidences where the pesky bugs have reached our shores.
Dr James Logan, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "The Asian tiger mosquito has been found in the UK over the last couple of years in small numbers.
"We don’t think they’re established here, they’re not breeding here - but this weather means there is a higher chance of them surviving."
Bug invasion
The insect, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, is native to South East Asia, but has been gradually spreading through Europe via transport of goods.
They've been present in northern Italy, southern France and the Netherlands for the past five years and are moving north around 93 miles a year.
Scientists have previously warned that global warming could be to blame as the bugs may be lured north by warmer, more humid air.
We can't rule out the UK being at risk of an outbreak
Dr James Logan
The Asian tiger mosquito is capable of transmitting tropical diseases such as Zika, dengue fever and the West Nile virus.
Dr Logan added: "We can't rule out the UK being at risk of an outbreak.
"We do get people coming back from abroad with new diseases, like malaria, and we do have species that can transmit it.
"There are parts of the UK, where if all the conditions were correct, then it could happen here."
What is Zika virus and what are the symptoms?
The virus is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda - the first place it was detected.
The first human noted to be infected with Zika was in 1952, but it was over 60 years later, early in 2015 in Brazil that the virus really began to threaten public health.
The virus generally only causes a very mild infection, with only one-fifth of infected people actually becoming noticeably ill as a result of the disease, but it could be more serious for those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women as it can be passed on from mother to baby.
Zika has been connected to the neurological condition Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause paralysis.
It has also linked to the microcephaly birth defect in babies, which causes them to be born with abnormally small heads.
Microcephaly is also associated with incomplete brain development.
Doctors have now hoping to develop a vaccine that will offer total protection against the devastating effects of the Zika virus.
Zika is mostly spread by the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which bite during the day and night.
However, Zika can also be transmitted sexually with the virus able to stay in an infected male’s semen for months.
Most worryingly, it can be passed on from mothers to babies in the womb – which leads to babies being born with severe birth defects.
One of the best ways to prevent catching Zika is to prevent being bitten by a mosquito.
Wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers and avoiding stagnant water can all help limit your risk of being bitten.
People have also been warned not to travel to areas known to have high rates of Zika.
While Zika does not necessarily impact all those who carry the virus, these are the kinds of symptoms that sufferers can experience:
- rash
- itching all over the body
- fever
- headache
- joint pain (with possible swelling)
- musle pain
- conjunctivitis
- lower back pain
- pain behind the eyes
Babies can also be born with severe birth defects from the virus.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika - although scientists are currently working on a vaccine.
suggest drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol can relieve symptoms in adults.
People have also been warned to seek urgent advice to help rule out a malaria diagnosis if starting to feel unwell.
Two recent studies - from the Liverpool and Oxford Universities - have said climate change could allow Asian tiger mosquitoes to spread across Western Europe.
The Department of Health announced research fund to tackle the health effects of global warming, including dangers of disease spread by insects.
Threat to pregnant women
The Zika virus is spread mainly by mosquitoes and poses a serious threat to pregnant women.
It leads to birth defects including abnormally small heads or microcephaly.
It does not naturally occur in the UK, with most outbreaks reported in the Pacific region.
But the virus has now spread to South and Central America as well as the Caribbean.
According to trade body the British Pest Control Association the rise in spring temperatures creates a fertile environment for insects such as mosquitoes to flourish.
“The public can take steps to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes in general to take hold," said ee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager.
“Simple corrective measures include removing still, standing water from areas such as blocked guttering, wheelbarrows and birdbaths.
“Water butts can also provide ideal breeding sites for the insects so should be cleaned out regularly."
'Plague of mosquitoes'
Experts say we could see more mosquitoes in the coming days thanks to recent downpours combined with hot weather over recent weeks in the UK.
The warm spell that the UK basked in around Easter this year is blamed for allowing the pesky bugs to come out of hibernation early to breed.
Bite prevention expert, Howard Carter, said: "The prolonged period of rain we’ve just experienced followed by hot temperatures have been exacerbating the situation dramatically.
The prolonged period of rain we’ve just experienced followed by hot temperatures have been exacerbating the situation
Howard Carter
"When it was warmer, earlier in the year, mosquitoes were able to come out of hibernation to breed - we’re now experiencing a feeding frenzy.
"And people who have never been bitten before are getting bitten now primarily because of all the additional extra insects around.
“I didn’t imagine things could get much worse but it now looks like there’s going to be a plague of mosquitoes in the UK this summer."
Best way to beat mozzie bites
Are you one of those people who, no matter what you do, are the equivalent of mozzie food?
Well your first step is prevention - and insect repellants are key.
The insect repellent range provides protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects, anywhere in the world. They are made from 100% natural ingredients and are parabens, SLS & DEET free.
The range includes suncream, hair & bodywash, moisturiser, spray, roll-on and much more.
Bite prevention expert, Howard Carter, who is also the company's MD, said: “Many people are experiencing more bites because they are making themselves more attractive (or irresistible) by drinking alcohol whilst washing with ordinary scented toiletries.
"Over the counter personal washing products nearly always attract mosquitoes and other biting insects.
"Therefore, using a citrusy or repellent Hair and Body wash or soap is important, to lower your attractiveness to insects, otherwise you’re counteracting the positive effects of your insect repellent."
Perhaps it's too late and you've already been gnawed on. Well, don't pick it - make sure you treat it with a bite cream.
can provide symptomatic relief of skin irritation caused by insect stings, insect bites and nettle stings.
It contains the active ingredient mepyramine maleate (2%), a topical antihistamine which stops the histamine affecting your body’s cells by blocking histamine receptors on cells, preventing the inflammatory cascade and so reducing swelling and inflammation.
Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream (20g) retails at £3.66 and is available from leading pharmacies and supermarkets.
If you have noticed more mozzies in your garden, you can take measures to try and reduce them.
Dr Logan added: "They lay their eggs in water sources - like puddles, water features, bird baths - these are all havens for mosquitoes.
"If people are getting bitten in their garden, they should have look to see where there might be any possible things to get rid of.
"Blocked guttering on the roof, drains, water baths for birds, water butts, water features, ponds.
"If you have fish that keeps them down a bit, but it could be as much as an upturned water bottle top."
Mosquitoes aren't known to carry any harmful diseases in the UK — but still leave annoying itchy sores.
The best way to prevent bites is to sue a good insect repellent.
Dr Logan recommends choosing one that contains DEET, PMD or picaridin, and avoiding anything that doesn't have a label.
He added: "Be as careful as you can be. You’re going to get one or two bites occasionally. The key is to prevent that, wear long sleeves.
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"If you do get bitten, don’t scratch it, as it can become infected.
"There are products which you can buy that can alleviate the symptoms of bites.
"People have home remedies which I wouldn’t recommend - simply get the advice from the pharmacist."
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