Aedes aegypti, also known as the Egyptian mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, known by most as either the tiger or forest mosquito, carry nasty diseases like yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and dirofilariasis.
The species were detected by the surveillance traps set by the UK Health Security Agency.
Concern after 2 species of disease-carrying mosquitoes detected in the UK
Egyptian mosquito eggs were first detected in a freight storage facility near London’s Heathrow Airport a couple of years ago.
Tiger mosquitoes were similarly seen in 2024, the first time this occurred since 2019.
These findings were revealed in a peer-reviewed study on invasive mosquito surveillance in the UK.
These pests have usually been limited to sub-tropical regions, but with rising temperatures, the northward incursion of invasive species could become more common.
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The authors said: “While there is currently no evidence that Ae. albopictus or Ae. aegypti are widely established in the UK, without timely action, the UK faces the risk of invasive mosquito populations becoming established… proactive measures enhance resilience against emerging vector borne disease risks.”
Colin Johnston, the lead author of the study and senior medical entomologist at the UKHSA, said of the 2023 and 2024 discoveries: “Each detection triggered enhanced local surveillance and control measures, and the fact that no further specimens were found suggests these were isolated incursions.”
He added: “The collaborative efforts between UKHSA, local authorities and landowners were key to rapidly mobilising and preventing the establishment of invasive mosquitoes.”
The study was published in PLOS Global Public Health.
