Viruses Sweeping the UK: How Climate Change Is Fueling the Spread in Malaysia (English)

The UK has come under threat of being placed dengue fever , chikungunya and zika virus by climate change, infectious disease experts have warned.

Unpleasant viruses, that have previously been confined to much warmer countries, could be entering the country for the first time.

Climate change has already created the conditions for a new mosquito species – the Asian tiger mosquito , or Aedes albopictus – may spread across London and the southeast due to their warmer climates. In the coming 20 to 30 years, most of the remaining areas in the country are anticipated to experience enough warming for these mosquito species to also establish themselves there.

The Asian tiger mosquito plays a key role in spreading viruses like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. These illnesses often manifest with symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscular and joint discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. In rare cases, they may lead to death.

The caution follows the statement made earlier this week by the UK Health Security Agency. that it had identified the West Nile virus in mosquitoes within the nation for the first time.

It is believed this occurs due to rising temperatures significantly boosting the population of 'Aedes vexans' mosquitoes in the UK, which are capable of carrying the virus and transmitting it to humans via their bites. The West Nile virus may lead to an abrupt appearance of flu-like symptoms in people.

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The UKHSA said the risk to the public was “very low” as there is no evidence to suggest that any of the infected mosquitoes had bitten any humans.

Rather, the pieces of the virus were found in the mosquitoes through a monitoring program conducted by the UKHSA.

The evidence suggests that the virus is not currently spreading within the UK. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the detected virus appears to be confined to an individual instance where a local mosquito transmitted the disease after biting a migratory bird infected abroad.

Therefore, the West Nile virus has not yet taken root in the UK – at least as of now – but instead arrived from overseas.

If the virus were to turn into an established or endemic condition, it would start spreading among birds and mosquitoes, significantly increasing the likelihood of infections.

However, scientists stated that the discovery of the virus highlights how significantly climate warming is enhancing the general risk to the UK from illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes.

Additional Asian tiger mosquitoes expected to reach the UK

The UK Health Security Agency stated that the Asian tiger mosquito has been found and eliminated eight times in the UK so far, probably due to arrival via international travel or commerce. However, these occurrences are anticipated to increase significantly in frequency in the future, potentially resulting in the establishment of breeding colonies across various regions in the country over an extended period.

It is hard to say for certain if, and exactly when, the likes of dengue fever, chikungunya or zika virus would become endemic, or common.

That is because it is not known for sure if or when the Asian tiger mosquito will become established, or widespread – and, in turn, when the conditions will be suitable for the viruses to survive and prosper.

However, even prior to those viruses becoming endemic, it’s entirely plausible that we might begin observing sporadic instances of individuals getting infected with one or multiple of them in London and the southeast region at any time from now onward.

It might occur at any moment, Professor Steven Sinkins , a specialist in microbiology and tropical medicine from Glasgow University, stated The i Paper.

"It’s conceivable that during a scorching summer, mosquito populations could grow large enough to facilitate disease spread," he stated, noting that these conditions aren’t conducive for permanent establishment of the viruses just yet since the mosquitoes wouldn’t make it through the colder months.

Professor Sinkins highlighted that the Asian tiger mosquito "has expanded into and across many parts of Europe over recent years, becoming common throughout Italy and reaching as far north as the Netherlands and Paris. This species has been responsible for transmitting dengue and chikungunya viruses in both France and Italy."

He stated: "In recent years, eggs from this mosquito species have been found in Kent and London. The weather conditions in southern England could allow these mosquitoes to establish themselves permanently. Should they do so, not only would people face an increase in insect bites but might likely see transmission of diseases like dengue and chikungunya during summer months."

“There is growing concern that it will eventually become established in the UK and cause outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya, as is being seen in France and Italy,” Professor Sinkins said.

Expect more mosquito bites

The UKHSA says that the rest of England could become suitable for the Asian tiger mosquito to become established by the 2050s – followed by most of Wales, Northern Ireland and the Scottish Lowlands in the 2070s.

And, viruses aside, the increase in the mosquito population would make bites more common, scientists warn.

Amber Sawyer, of the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit think tank, told The i Paper Dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus are all severe viral infections that lead to symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and rashes. While certain individuals may experience minimal or no symptoms at all, others can become seriously ill, with fatalities being quite uncommon.

Professor Sinkins mentioned that "dengue has the potential to be lethal, whereas chikungunya may lead to prolongedJoint Pain And Disability."

A UKHSA spokesperson told The i Paper “At present, individuals in the UK have a higher chance of contracting a mosquito-borne illness overseas compared to within their own nation. However, this scenario is expected to shift in the coming years. We have established monitoring systems to assist us in planning, identifying, and reacting to emerging threats.”

Besides the West Nile virus, the quick dissemination of dengue fever across Europe is alarming. Climate change... increases the likelihood of illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. It could also potentially lead to outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika if non-indigenous mosquito populations take hold.

The viruses moving towards the UK

West Nile virus: Many individuals who contract West Nile virus remain asymptomatic. Approximately twenty percent of those affected experience symptoms such as fever, rashes, and muscular pain. In rare cases, the virus may lead to severe conditions involving swelling of the brain and spinal cord, known respectively as encephalitis and meningitis.

Dengue fever: It typically isn’t very serious and frequently improves without treatment. However, some individuals experience a more intense form of dengue, which is uncommon. Symptoms of this severe version can encompass significant abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the gums or nostrils, profound fatigue, unrelenting restlessness, and blood present in vomit or stools.

Chikungunya: The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

Zika: For most people it is mild and not harmful but it can cause problems if you are pregnant. The most common symptoms are: a high temperature, a headache, sore, red eyes, swollen joints and joint and muscle pain, a rash and itching all over the body.

The virus can harm a developing baby if you get it when you’re pregnant. It can cause problems with the baby’s brain and may mean the baby having an unusually small head (microcephaly).