Disease Risk: The Tiger Mosquito Invades Britain
The tiger mosquito, native from Asia, became a recent threat to European countries a few years ago when they discovered it already established itself in northern Italy where it has transmitted chikungunya fever to local population. The same mosquito is responsible for the dengue and yellow fever plus 20 other viral diseases. More than a dozen other countries including Germany and the Netherlands have detected the plague, too.
Because the UK climate during the summers is highly suitable for the tiger mosquito to breed, scientists at the Government’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) at Porton Down in Wiltshire are very concerned that England and the Wales may be the next areas to be invaded.
“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,” a spokesman of the HPA’s Porton Down laboratories said. Though the Health Protection Agency said they have “no confirmed reports” in August 2007, the DailyMail reported on that an Asian mosquito was found in a suburban back garden in Gloucestershire.
Once settled in the country, it could cause 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. Most people think of malaria, but there are other things you can catch from mosquitoes,” the same spokesman said.
Over the last few years more and more British people returned from Asia with the chikungunya virus, from 6 in 2004 to more than 130 in 2006. The female mosquito seems to be the most dangerous because she feeds on human blood throughout the day, not just at night, is renowned for her quick and penetrating bite that could transmit diseases extremely fast.
hi,
I swear there was one of these in our house the other day. and it bit my wife (she has a large lump on the side of her head). I’d like to know if there is a native english mosquito that looks similar? This one was jet black with white banding on its legs and abdomen. there was no brownish tint to it at all! We live in Sheffield.
Matt,
the best advise I can give you is to seek medical attention. Those guys know more about these mosquitoes and the diseases they may transmit. We hope your wife is all right.
hi, i got bit once on my arm today at a laundry mat in queens, new york
the mosquito was black with white dots on it ..
at first, the bite was large & around it was red but then after it didnt itch really & its barely a bump..any suggestions?
hi, i saw one of these next to my arm ar work today! i moved before it could bite me but my work collegue got bit by something and his arm has swolen big time.
u will die unless u seek professional help in 2 weeks
I don’t think it’s as bad as Nick says, but my advice is to seek a doctor. They’ll know exactly what needs to be done
Hey, yeah I got bit yesterday by a mosquito like Andrea’s. Black with white dots that is. Both on my hand and foot, and they’re both a good double in size right now and rather painful to make a fist! My university “doctors” just said to use an antihistomine…but its rather disconcerning! I like, don’t have knuckles cause its so swollen! And plus, i’m in Tennessee, its said this thing came from asia….?
hi tiger mosquitos are intersting
The tiger mosquitos have been in Greece for many years, mainly in suburban areas and villages.
i know i probally will sound mad but i am 99% sure that i have these around where i live,i am not saying they are carring dieases least i hope not cause i have been bit a few times,i have looked at several sites and they look jst like them.they are huge and i can hear them before i see them,very fast too and hard to squash lol,always takes 2 or 3 hits to kill the thing.i have always had a bad reaction to mossie bites but when i have been bit by these i come up in a rock hard and very painfull bite mark the size of a golf ball.i did actually keep some and showed some friends and family who were all shocked at size and striking markings etc….anyone who thinks they have any suggestions or ideas who i would contact if needed that is would be appricated.