News that the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has become established in several European countries has been identifeied as a risk to the UK. In nothern Italy it is the cause of an outbreak of chikungunya fever that has killed one woman and affected many others. They also carry other diseases including Dengue and Yellow Fever. It has been identified by the Health Protection Agency as an insect that could potentially arrive in the UK. A study by HPA scientists found that "widespread establishment" of the Asian tiger mosquito across England and Wales is possible in the warm, damp conditions of the British summer, which would increase the risk of chikungunya fever spreading among the local population.
It seems that the trade in second hand tyres, where the larvae are carried in water in the rims, and the popularity of Luck Bamboo, a house plant transpoted in wather filles pots has helped spread the insect.
To date there have been no confirmed reports of the mosquito in the UK and the public health risk remains low. Suspected sightings occur every summer, but thus far have always been identified as the endemic species Culiseta annulata.
Perhaps we need posters, like the ones that appeared many years ago with pictures Colarado Beetles to help us identify this new danger.
It seems that the trade in second hand tyres, where the larvae are carried in water in the rims, and the popularity of Luck Bamboo, a house plant transpoted in wather filles pots has helped spread the insect.
To date there have been no confirmed reports of the mosquito in the UK and the public health risk remains low. Suspected sightings occur every summer, but thus far have always been identified as the endemic species Culiseta annulata.
Perhaps we need posters, like the ones that appeared many years ago with pictures Colarado Beetles to help us identify this new danger.
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