"Climate change is reshaping public health risks" - CIEH responds to invasive mosquito detection in east London

Following the detection of invasive mosquitoes and larvae at residential properties in East London, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) says the discovery serves as a stark reminder that climate change is creating new and evolving public health risks in the UK, underlining the vital role of environmental health professionals in identifying and responding to emerging threats.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and a representative for Sevington Inland Border Facility and the Association of Port Health Authorities have also responded.

Janet Russell, CIEH Vice President, said:

"The detection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breeding in east London is a reminder that the challenges posed by climate change are no longer theoretical. As temperatures rise and global movement of people and goods continues to increase, the UK can expect to see more instances of invasive species arriving and, in some cases, surviving for longer periods than has previously been possible.

"Environmental health professionals have been working for many years alongside partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), port health authorities and local authorities to monitor and manage risks from invasive species and disease vectors at the UK's ports, airports and points of entry. This surveillance work is a vital but often unseen aspect of protecting public health, helping to identify potential threats early and enabling rapid action before they become established.

"The UK's port health system plays a critical role in preventing threats from entering the country. Environmental health professionals working in these settings undertake a wide range of activities, from inspecting imported goods and monitoring public health risks to supporting surveillance programmes that help detect mosquitoes and other vectors capable of carrying disease. Their expertise is essential in ensuring that emerging risks are identified and managed effectively.

"While the UKHSA has assessed the immediate risk to the public from this detection as very low, this finding highlights the importance of maintaining and investing in robust environmental health services. Early-warning systems, monitoring programmes and specialist environmental health expertise are crucial as the range of public health threats associated with climate change continues to evolve."

Natalie Bungay, Head of Technical at British Pest Control Association, said:

“Finding Aedes aegypti breeding in east London is significant, but people shouldn’t panic.

“UKHSA says the current risk to the public is very low. There’s no evidence of anyone being infected and no sign that this mosquito has become established in the UK.

“What this does show is why we need to keep a close eye on invasive species. If we spot them early, we’ve got a much better chance of dealing with them before they become established.

“Pest professionals and environmental health teams can play an important part in that. We know what to look for, where pests are likely to breed and what needs to change to make an area less attractive to them.

“For householders, there are some really simple things that help. Don’t leave standing water sitting around in buckets, plant pots, paddling pools or other containers, and keep water butts covered.

“We’re probably going to hear more about invasive mosquitoes as our climate changes. The important thing is that we keep monitoring, report anything unusual and act quickly when something is found.”

Anthony Baldock, Corporate Director for Health and Wellbeing at Ashford Borough Council and Chair of the Association of Port Health Authorities, said:

“The detection of invasive mosquito species in East London is a timely reminder that global trade and travel can unintentionally facilitate the movement of pests and diseases across borders. It highlights the importance of robust surveillance and early intervention in protecting public health.

“Port health authorities are at the frontline of the UK's biosecurity system. Every day, officers work to identify and manage risks associated with international movements of people, goods and vehicles, helping to prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive species that can pose threats to both human and animal health.

“Sevington handles up to 2,500 freight vehicles each day travelling on international routes. Throughout the summer, our environmental health professionals monitor around 40 mosquito surveillance traps across the site in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency. This work forms part of a wider national surveillance network designed to identify potential threats at the earliest opportunity.

“Much of this preventative work takes place behind the scenes, but it is a vital component of our public health infrastructure. The sooner an invasive species is detected, the greater the opportunity to contain and eradicate it before it becomes established.

“This latest detection in the UK Capital shows that biosecurity is not just a border issue, it is a public health issue. Continued vigilance and effective surveillance are essential if we are to identify emerging threats early and protect our communities”.

Read more about the work taking place on the frontline of port health at Sevington Inland Border Facility where they are helping detect and prevent the introduction of mosquitoes arriving via international freight and transport routes in our blog published for World Mosquito Day last year: https://www.cieh.org/news/blog/2025/tackling-growing-issue-of-mosquitoes-at-sevington-inland-border-facility/