West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time

A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson said the risk to the general public is "very low".

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Although the virus can sometimes make people seriously ill, there is no evidence it is spreading in the UK and the risk to the general public is "very low", the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

The virus is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, South America and mainland Europe.

Climate change and other factors have been pushing mosquitoes - and the diseases they carry - further north in recent years.

West Nile virus causes either very minor symptoms or none at all - but around 20% of infected people can experience headaches, high fever and skin issues. In rare cases, it can kill through serious brain illnesses, including encephalitis or meningitis.