Plus: It's going to be another above-average Atlantic hurricane season
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Hello, Health officials have increased disease surveillance efforts after detecting signs of the West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time. Although the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the risk to the public is "very low", it confirmed that surveillance and control measures are being "enhanced" following the discovery. Experts believe the spread of mosquito-borne diseases into new regions is being driven by climate change. The UKHSA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reported that "fragments of West Nile virus genetic material" were found in Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected from wetlands along the River Idle at Gamston, near Retford in Nottinghamshire, in July 2023. West Nile virus typically circulates among birds and is spread by bird-biting mosquitoes. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted to humans or horses via mosquito bites. While there have been no cases of West Nile virus acquired within the UK, seven travel-related cases have been reported since 2000. The UKHSA emphasised that there is "no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitoes in the UK", but confirmed that "disease surveillance and control activities are being enhanced in light of the findings." | A lab worker examines trapped mosquitoes for signs of West Nile virus and other diseases (AP) | |
| The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be 'above-average' yet again this year. There may be as many as five major hurricanes (Getty Images) | The United States is bracing for another above-average Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Forecasters have predicted between 13 and 19 named storms, with 70 per cent confidence. Of the six to ten hurricanes anticipated, three to five are expected to reach Category 3 strength or higher. The first named storm of the season will be Andrea. "Everything's in place for an above-average season," said National Weather Service Director Ken Graham during a press briefing in Louisiana. The forecast is underpinned by conditions associated with climate change – though the term itself was notably absent from Graham's remarks, even when prompted by The Independent and other media outlets. He did, however, acknowledge related consequences, such as increased rainfall intensity. Read more | |
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