Climate change brings mosquito-borne disease risk closer to Scotland

Researchers have detected the mosquito-borne Usutu virus in Scotland, a finding they say reflects changing disease risks linked to a warming climate. Scientists said the virus is not considered an immediate threat to public health but could serve as an early warning sign for the future spread of other mosquito-borne diseases in northern Europe. Experts noted that rising temperatures can create conditions that allow viruses to survive and replicate within mosquitoes. 

Heather Ferguson, Professor, University of Glasgow, “said climate change has really accelerated the pace with which things are changing. And certainly, it was already a shock when we were finding Usutu and then very recently West Nile in a mosquito in England. And now that it’s becoming more and more normal to expect these things to happen, and we really need to be ready."

Researchers said the discovery underscores the need for continued surveillance and preparedness as environmental conditions evolve.