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Mosquitoes that spread potentially deadly tropical diseases have been found in the UK. Eggs of an Aedes albopictus - known as the tiger mosquito - were found in a surveillance trap at a motorway service station in Kent.
The discovery was the first time tiger mozzies, which can transmit multiple disorders -including dengue, chikungunya and Zika to humans, had been detected in Britain since 2019. And the eggs of another species capable of spreading deadly tropical diseases, Aedes aegypti, were found at a freight storage facility near Heathrow Airport.
Invasive mosquito species could become "established" in the UK as climate change makes it a more suitable habitat, experts have warned. A new report by the Centre for Climate and Health Security, part of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) based at Porton Down, Wiltshire, reveals the recent detection of invasive mosquito eggs, suggesting an increasing presence of such species on British shores.
Historically, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were limited to subtropical and tropical regions. But the report warns that Ae. albopictus has now established itself across parts of southern and central Europe, showing its ability to survive in temperate climates.
Rising temperatures and milder winters may increase northward incursions of invasive species - putting new populations at risk of disease, according to the study published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health. In order to monitor and limit the presence of invasive mosquito species, the UKHSA has been working with other bodies to conduct surveillance since 2020.
Teams set "ovitraps" - devices used to monitor and control mozzies - at seaports, airports, and transport hubs on highways in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The traps were monitored every two weeks from June to October every year and the mosquito species were identified using state of the art techniques, working with Edge Hill University.
Through surveillance efforts, Ae. aegypti eggs were detected in a freight storage facility near London Heathrow Airport in September 2023. In August 2024, Ae. albopictus was detected for the first time since 2019 in Kent, England at a motorway service station.
Report lead author Colin Johnston 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. As we have demonstrated here, proactive measures enhance resilience against emerging vector borne disease risks.
"The UKHSA's surveillance has detected isolated incursions of invasive mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, also known as the tiger mosquito. While these mosquitoes are not currently established in the UK, their detection highlights the importance of ongoing, enhanced surveillance to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
"UKHSA continues to work with local authorities, landowners and partners to ensure a swift and coordinated response."
Although recent findings suggest a low current risk to public health, he warned that repeated detections underscore the need for "continued vigilance, robust monitoring networks, and early intervention" to prevent invasive species from becoming established in the UK.
Mr Johnson, senior medical entomologist at UKHSA, said: "What stood out during this surveillance was how dynamic and responsive our work needs to be. 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: "Working with the wide variety of organisations and individuals was very rewarding.
"The collaborative efforts between UKHSA, local authorities and landowners were key to rapidly mobilising and preventing the establishment of invasive mosquitoes."