The West Nile virus has been detected in Britain for the very first time, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
The mosquito-borne virus, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses in rare cases, was reportedly found in the genetic material of mosquitoes collected in Nottinghamshire.
West Nile virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as Dengue and Yellow Fever, is endemic in many parts of the globe. However, only seven cases of travel-related West Nile virus have been detected in the UK since 2000.
Here’s everything you need to know about the risk of West Nile Virus in the UK.
What is the West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquito bites and can lead to flu-like symptoms and muscle aches. First discovered in 1937, it’s part of the same family of flaviviruses that humans can contract from infected insects, including Zika, yellow fever, and dengue.
West Nile virus is commonly associated with birds, but it can also be passed from mosquitoes to horses and humans—though not as commonly.
The virus is also endemic to most parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia.
Almost 80 per cent of people don’t display any symptoms, making it difficult to monitor the spread and impact of this virus. However, severe developments can also occur; according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 150 people infected can develop life-threatening symptoms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people over the age of 60 and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of developing severe illness.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
While the majority of people won’t display any signs, a small number of patients may develop more serious symptoms. This can include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Fever
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
While more severe cases only impact 1 per cent of people with the virus, there is a very small risk of:
- Brain inflammation
- Meningitis
- Coma
- Paralysis
The UKHSA has maintained that there isn’t a severe threat to people at the moment, and cases are still very rare.
Is the West Nile virus contagious?
Experts believe that the West Nile virus can only be spread through infected mosquitoes. It cannot be spread between humans, and there is no evidence that it has been passed from birds to humans.
Currently, there is no anti-virus for the West Nile virus, but people who have contracted it and developed serious symptoms can receive medical care, such as pain medication and intravenous fluids.
Are mosquito-borne viruses spreading?
Although this is the first case of West Nile virus detected in the UK, it hasn’t come as a surprise to experts.
According to Dr Arran Folly, an Arbovirologist at APHA and the lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, climate change may also be helping mosquito-borne viruses spread into new areas.
It comes as the UK records soaring temperatures as we head into June.
“The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas,” they said. “Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health.”
Dr Katie Anders, from the World Mosquito Programme, echoed similar sentiments: “Rising global temperatures are causing an expansion in the areas in which mosquitoes thrive. This puts more communities at risk and makes more months each year favourable to disease transmission in places already prone to mosquito-borne disease.”
