Recovery from severe illness can take weeks or months, and about 10% of those with severe neurological symptoms may not survive.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time, raising concerns about potential outbreaks.

Professor James Logan emphasized that this detection could indicate the virus's establishment in the UK, depending on various environmental and human factors.

In response to this finding, additional screening will be implemented in Nottinghamshire, an area not typically included in the screening program.

Recent testing in high-risk areas of England revealed that out of over 30,000 mosquitoes and 300 birds, only two pools of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus.

To prevent mosquito bites, experts recommend wearing long clothing, using insect repellents containing DEET, and eliminating standing water to reduce breeding.

Warmer temperatures are critical for the virus to replicate within mosquitoes, which could facilitate its spread and establishment as endemic in the region.

West Nile virus primarily spreads to humans through mosquito bites, with severe illness occurring in approximately 1 in 150 infected individuals.

Severe symptoms of the virus can include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, and muscle weakness, particularly affecting older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Despite the low risk currently, the UKHSA is enhancing its surveillance and control activities to monitor the situation closely.

The detection of the virus was described as a result of 'pot luck' during a research project conducted by UKHSA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

While West Nile virus has not caused significant public health issues in northern Europe, increased surveillance is deemed essential due to the potential for unnoticed infections.