Assessing the risks of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes from transatlantic aircraft: implications for disease emergence in the United Kingdom

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2012 Apr;12(4):310-20. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0176. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

The number of West Nile virus (WNV)-infected mosquitoes aboard aircraft from the United States that arrive in the United Kingdom each summer was determined using a quantitative risk assessment. In the worst-case scenario, when WNV levels in mosquitoes are high (at epidemic levels) the probability of at least one WNV-infected mosquito being introduced into the United Kingdom was predicted to be 0.99. During these periods, a mean of 5.2 infected mosquitoes were estimated to be aboard flights from the United States to the United Kingdom during May to October, with 90% certainty that the exact value lies between one and ten mosquitoes. Heathrow airport was predicted to receive the majority of the infected mosquitoes (72.1%). Spatial analysis revealed the region surrounding Heathrow satisfies the criteria for potential WNV exposure as both WNV-competent mosquitoes and susceptible wild bird species are present. This region is, therefore, recommended for targeted, risk-based surveillance of WNV-infected mosquitoes in addition to an increased awareness of the risks to horses, birds and humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aircraft*
  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / transmission*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / virology
  • Culicidae / growth & development
  • Culicidae / pathogenicity
  • Culicidae / virology*
  • Insect Vectors / virology
  • Models, Statistical
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / transmission*
  • West Nile Fever / virology
  • West Nile virus / pathogenicity*