Health experts have warned Brits to be vigilant as two disease threats emerge: an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a case already in the UK, and the first-ever breeding of a tropical-disease-spreading mosquito in London.
Dengue mosquito found breeding in UK for first time
The invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the dengue or yellow fever mosquito, has been detected at residential properties in east London, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The discovery, reported through UKHSA’s Mosquito Watch scheme, marks the first time the species has been identified breeding in the UK.
Control measures have been put in place to destroy the larvae, and the area will be monitored closely to identify and eradicate any further mosquitoes. UKHSA said it runs programmes to monitor mosquitoes, providing early warning and supporting rapid public health action.
Risk assessed as very low
Dr Jolyon Medlock, Head of Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology at UKHSA, said: “While Aedes aegypti can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in countries where these infections are circulating, the risk to the public from this finding is assessed as very low. There is no evidence that these mosquitoes have caused human infections and importantly, to date, there is no evidence of the mosquitoes or larvae being detected in nearby public areas.”
Ebola outbreak expands in DRC
Separately, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on October 23 that the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak has expanded geographically in the DRC and is sustaining “high level transmission.” Of the 512 deaths reported since 21 October, 335 occurred in communities and 177 in treatment centres.
A WHO spokesman said: “The high proportion of deaths occurring in communities, especially among young children, continues to highlight challenges in early case detection and timely access to appropriate care.”
One confirmed case in the UK
On 5 November 2026, the UK reported the medical evacuation of one confirmed case, a health and care worker from the DRC, who is now receiving medical care in London. WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, states parties experiencing and/or responding to the public health event.
