UK: Culex modestus mosquito found for first time since the 1940s

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/deadly-mosquito-found-in-the-uk-for-first-678382

9 Feb 2012 00:00
Deadly mosquito found in the UK for first time since the 1940s

A mosquito carrying a deadly virus has arrived in Britain.

The insect, culex modestus, bears the West Nile virus which causes flu-like symptoms and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

It has been found breeding in the marshes of north Kent and south Essex over the past two years ? the first sighting of the insect in the UK since the 1940s...

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: UK: Culex modestus mosquito found for first time since the 1940s

This mosquito culex modestus is one of the potential vectors of West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV has not been found in the UK as far as I know.

Migratory birds could spread the WNV, bring it to the mosquito's. Mosquito's could infect more birds, horses and humans.

This mosquito can be found in several European countries: Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Central Europe.

Culex modestus carrying WNV were found in Russia and France.

The current prevailing WNV strain in Europe seems less virulant, compared to the US-strain.

Reports on WNV in Europe: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=549