Is the Zika virus getting into Britain on CAR TYRES?

MOSQUITOES carrying the terrifying virus have been spotted in the British countryside.

 

ZIka virus: one expert claims mosquitoes could enter Britain via car tyres

 

A top insect expert has warned that the Aedes Aegypti - the Zika virus carrying mosquito - are ALREADY in Britain.

Howard Carter, one of the UK’s leading bite protection experts, has claimed the mosquito has been sighted on the Kent Coast and in West Sussex.

He believes the insects - responsible for transmitting the virus - may have entered the country in the grooves of car tyres where the female mosquitoes lay their eggs.

 

There is currently an outbreak sweeping Central and South America

 

Mr Carter also suggests that they also have the potential to arrive in Britain in stagnant water in container ships carrying coffee.

He said: "They are here already and I have seen them myself north of Chichester in West Sussex.

"I am aware of sightings on the Kent coast which have been reported to me so it is not a matter of if or when - they are here."

While he believes they are here, he doesn’t think the mosquitoes are in great numbers - yet. But added: “But in my view it is only a matter of time before that becomes the case."

 

Zika virus: The Aedes Aegypti mosquito

 

"It may be a year or it may be 10 but it will be here because of global warming creating a warmer and more attractive climate."

The Zika virus is currently causing widespread panic across south and central America.

Typically symptoms include low-grade fever, joint pain, a rash, conjunctivitis, headache, muscle and eye pain - but only 20 per cent of people show symptoms when infected.

There is no antiviral treatments for the virus and people are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain medication. 

 

Zika virus: The virus has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly

 

More worryingly, Zika has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly, causing babies to be born with deformed heads.

The US Center for Disease Control has even advised pregnant women not to travel to affected areas, while El Salvador are encouraging women in the country not to fall pregnant until 2018.

Three Britons and one Danish tourist have caught it after travelling to Central and South America. 

Yesterday, it was even claimed that the virus may be transmitted via sex.