The UK could health threats from mosquito-borne diseases as the country warms from climate change.

Parts of the UK could become at risk by the 2040 the UK Health Security Agency has noted in a report of a worst-case scenario of temperatures rising by 4C by 2100.

Although the UK has always had mosquitoes, climate change would make it more vulnerable to species that can carry ‘tropical’ diseases. The climate change will allow the UK will become more suitable for the survival of vectors of public health importance, notably Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (Asian tiger mosquito).

Transmission of dengue and chikungunya, and West Nile virus may be possible in the latter half of the century or sooner, and while the mosquito only carries harmful viruses after biting infected people, London could see regular cases of dengue fever by 2060, the report says.

Along with the risk of disease, also mentioned are increased flooding, meaning that people, properties, and infrastructure that were not previously at risk will become at risk. Food imports and prices, particularly for fruits and vegetables, will be more volatile due to high UK dependence upon foods from particularly climate-vulnerable countries. Some risks that are not currently considered threats to health in the UK will emerge, including increased exposure to wildfires and drought.

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