West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time
The Guardian - ScienceWednesday, May 21, 2025 at 11:01:40 AM
For the first time ever, UK health officials have found traces of West Nile virus in mosquitoes caught in Nottinghamshire. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is quick to reassure people that the risk to the public is "very low" and there's no sign of human transmission or that the virus has settled in for good.
What This Means: While finding West Nile virus in UK mosquitoes is a new development, it’s not an immediate cause for alarm—health officials are keeping a close eye on things. Still, it’s a reminder of how climate change and global travel can shift disease risks, even in places where they weren’t a concern before. If you’re planning a summer outdoors, maybe stock up on bug spray—just in case.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
