Theme 1: Predict and Prevent

A UK-based HPRU EZI can only have limited involvement predicting and preventing pathogens that might emerge and spread overseas; this theme therefore focuses on predicting and preventing emerging arthropod-borne pathogens which already threaten the UK public health. The emergence and spread of a number of zoonotic tick- and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe in recent years, the latter including dengue and West Nile virus, highlight the need to develop strategies to predict and detect the emergence of these viruses in the UK. Research will be conducted on novel interventions for control of non-native species such as Aedes albopictus for rapid deployment in the event of locally established populations to prevent local transmission of novel arboviruses.

Initial Projects

• Predict and prepare for dengue introduction to the UK 
• Biosentinel surveillance for emerging zoonotic disease assessment and modelling

Theme Leads

• Dr Grant Hughes , LSTM
• Dr Jolyon Medlock, UKHSA