AssetID: 55976399
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes Found Breeding In UK For First Time
Caption: Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes Found Breeding In UK For First Time. Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases including dengue and Zika, have been found breeding in the UK for the first time. Mosquitoes and larvae were discovered at residential properties in east London through the UK Health Security Agency's Mosquito Watch scheme. The UKHSA has increased surveillance and trapping in the area, while measures have been introduced to destroy the larvae. The species has previously been detected three times in the UK, but officials said this is the first evidence of it breeding in the country. Health officials stressed that the risk to the public remains low, with no evidence that the mosquitoes have caused human infections in the UK. Aedes aegypti can spread dengue, Zika and chikungunya and can "hitchhike" into countries through vehicles, baggage and imported plants. Officials believe the mosquitoes were accidentally imported and said Britain's climate remains too cold for the species to survive long-term. Experts warn a warming climate could allow invasive mosquitoes to survive for longer periods in the UK, making continued monitoring important. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Health & Wellbeing,Aedes aegypti,mosquitoes,dengue,Zika virus,chikungunya,UKHSA,east London,Mosquito Watch,invasive mosquitoes,mosquito breeding
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