Scientists confirmed the presence of the Aedes aegypti (Egyptian mosquito) and the Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) in Britain, causing concerns over ever-increasing chances for outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. The eggs and live specimens of the mosquitoes were discovered by Heathrow Airport and in Kent, most likely as a result of trade and travel. While they are not yet widely established, experts pointed to the likelihood of them establishing further north with rising temperatures, thereby posing a new public health threat.
UK Health Security Agency has ramped up surveillance of these mosquitoes and urged proactive measures to stop permanent settlement while pointing to climate change as one influence on shaping vectors in Europe.