Dr Marcus Blagrove, an integrative virology researcher in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, was invited to the House of Commons on Thursday 4 September to participate in a high-level parliamentary event ‘Strengthening preparedness for mosquito-borne diseases in the UK’.
The event brought together Members of Parliament, health policy makers, pharmaceutical representatives, and academic experts to address the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases in the UK. Central to the discussion was a newly released policy report which outlines strategic recommendations for national preparedness.
Dr Blagrove presented findings from his research group which investigates the transmission potential of native UK mosquitoes, specifically Culex species, for viruses such as Usutu and West Nile. His team, funded by UKRI and DEFRA, has demonstrated that multiple mosquito species can transmit these viruses under UK climate conditions.
Dr Blagrove said: “Climate change is driving the emergence of mosquito-borne viruses in the UK. Usutu virus has been endemic here for five years, and the detection of West Nile virus in British mosquitoes earlier this year shows we now face a serious risk. It’s crucial that researchers are present at events like this, so we can directly share our findings, provide expert guidance, and ensure that policy and preparedness strategies are informed by the latest scientific evidence.”
The event also spotlighted the increasing prevalence of Dengue and Chikungunya outbreaks across Europe, with particular concern over their northward spread. Attendees discussed the timeline of potential risks to the UK, current mitigation strategies, and the role of vaccines to minimise import of Chikungunya into Europe.
Dr Blagrove emphasised the importance of collaborative research, noting his group’s partnerships with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Lancaster University, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM).