Invasive tropical mosquito found breeding in east London
An invasive tropical mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, has been found breeding in London for the first time. While health officials state the current risk is low, they warn that climate change may increase the frequency of such incursions.
Why it matters
The detection underscores the potential public health impacts of a warming climate as disease-carrying insects expand their range into previously unsuitable regions.
Aedes aegypti seen through a microscope in Brazil. The UKHSA said the risk to the public in Britain was low./Getty Images Aedes aegypti seen through a microscope in Brazil. The UKHSA said the risk to the public in Britain was low./Getty Images Invasive species Invasive tropical mosquito found breeding in east London Climate crisis could increase incursions of Aedes aegypti, which can transmit Zika virus and dengue, experts say
Prefer the Guardian on Google An invasive mosquito capable of transmitting tropical diseases has been found breeding in homes in east London , with warnings that the rapidly warming climate will lead to greater “incursions of invasive mosquitoes”.
This is the first time the species has been identified breeding in the UK and the fourth time it has been detected.
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