Extra precautions as West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Notts

FIRST TIME DISEASE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE INSECT IN UK

- By ELLA PICKOVER, PA

HEALTH officials have stepped up disease surveillance efforts in Nottinghamshire after finding signs of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said fragments of the virus - which can sometimes make people seriously ill - had been found in wetland at Gamston, near Retford.

While the UKHSA said the risk to the public is “very low”, it said that surveillance and control activities are being “enhanced” in light of the findings.

Experts said mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas due to climate change.