Warm weather raises risk of insect-borne diseases in UK
Scientists warn that warmer temperatures increase the risk of insect-borne diseases in the UK, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Scientists are warning that warmer temperatures are increasing the risk of insect-borne diseases in the UK, including Lyme disease and West Nile virus. A wet spring followed by recent heatwaves has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and ticks, making this a particularly bad year for insect bites in parts of the country.
Researchers at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology are developing high-tech models to predict the abundance, seasonality, and risks of mosquito-borne diseases. They say climate change is making conditions hotter and wetter, which will lead to a rise in diseases not previously seen in the UK. West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne virus that mainly affects birds but can infect humans and cause serious harm, has recently been discovered in the country.
Tick populations are also a growing concern. The prevalence of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks, is on the rise. Experts advise removing ticks as soon as possible after being outdoors, using tick tweezers to avoid leaving mouthparts in the skin.
Public awareness remains low. Many people interviewed said they only use insect repellent when on holiday abroad, not during everyday life at home. Howard Carter, a developer of insect repellents, recommends showering with citronella soap before applying a repellent containing DEET or PMD, which he says are the only ingredients that offer 100% protection according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The message from scientists is clear: the risk of mosquito-borne disease is now closer to home than ever, and people should take extra precautions when out and about this summer.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| DEET and PMD offer 100% protection against insect bites according to the CDC. | |
| West Nile virus has recently been discovered in the UK. | |
| Wet spring followed by heat waves created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and ticks. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This report focuses on the local impact of climate change on insect-borne diseases in the UK, with practical advice from a scientist and an insect repellent expert. It uses interviews and on-the-ground reactions from the public to highlight a lack of awareness about the risks at home.
- “After the wet spring that we had, didn't we then? That was followed by the recent heat waves. This has created ideal breeding conditions, apparently, for species like mosquitoes and ticks as well.”
- “We've very recently discovered West Nile virus, which is another mosquito-borne virus. It mainly affects birds, but can infect humans, and unfortunately, it can cause serious harm.”
- “Only PMD and DEET give 100% protection according to the Centre for Disease Control.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.