An invasive species of mosquito that can transmit viral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya has been discovered breeding in the UK for the first time.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has increased surveillance and trapping activities after invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and larvae were detected at residential properties in east London.The agency said that the risk to the public remained low, as—despite recent heatwaves—the UK climate is too cold for the species to survive long term.It is the fourth time Aedes aegypti has been detected in the UK in recent years, but this is the first time that it has been identified breeding, health officials said.The species is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and can transmit diseases including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. It is not a vector for malaria.It has previously been known to “hitchhike” from its native range in vehicles, baggage, and imported…
