How Britain is about to be invaded by tiger mosquito carrying 20 diseases

[Snowden]

How Britain is about to be invaded by tiger mosquito carrying 20 diseases


By Olinka Koster
Last updated at 10:38 PM on 26th May 2008






Concern: The Asian tiger mosquito transmits up to 23 infections, including the deadly Chikungunya fever

If you hear a telltale whine then spot this striped insect inching towards your arm, be very concerned.

For this is the Asian tiger mosquito, which can carry a host of potentially deadly diseases - and it could be heading our way.

The mosquito has already established itself in Northern Italy, where it has transmitted chikungunya fever to scores of victims.

It has also been detected in a dozen other European countries including Germany, France and the Netherlands.

Britain could be the next to be invaded, say scientists at the Government's Health Protection Agency at Porton Down in Wiltshire.

An HPA study warns that "widespread establishment" of the tiger mosquito across England and Wales is possible in the warm, damp conditions of the British summer.

"The mosquito has popped up across Europe and although we haven't found it yet in the UK, we have identified the potential for it to come here," said a spokesman at Porton Down.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of British people returning from South-East Asia with the chikungunya virus in recent years, from an estimated six in 2004 to more than 130 in 2006.

If the Asian tiger mosquito becomes established here, experts fear it could start a locally-spread epidemic.

"You do need several steps in the chain for it to become an issue, but it's something we've been keeping an eye on," said the spokesman.

Because the tiger mosquito lays its eggs in water, it is thought it could survive in small pools that collect in tyres sent to Britain on container ships from Asia.

Chikungunya victims usually develop a fever that lasts a couple of days and go on to suffer intense headaches, joint pains and insomnia for days or weeks after they are bitten.

In last year's outbreak in Italy, one woman died as a result of the infection.

The tiger mosquito - so named because of its stripes - can also transmit West Nile virus and Dengue fever, both of which can prove fatal.


How Britain is about to be invaded by tiger mosquito carrying 20 diseases | Mail Online