Home / Health / UK Heatwave Sparks Insect Bite Surge
UK Heatwave Sparks Insect Bite Surge
22 Aug
Summary
- Hospital visits for insect and spider bites more than doubled in May.
- NHS website visits for bites and stings saw significant increases in June and July.
- Record temperatures of 38.1C were recorded in Kew Gardens, London.
The UK has experienced a notable increase in insect and spider bites, coinciding with multiple heatwaves. Hospital visits for such incidents more than doubled in May compared to April, highlighting a growing concern.
Searches on the NHS website for advice on bites and stings saw a substantial rise in June, soaring by over 35% in July. The week of July 6th saw peak interest, with a visit to the relevant NHS page occurring every 18 seconds.
This surge in bites and online queries occurred amidst record-breaking temperatures, with the hottest day of the year recorded in London at 38.1C. Experts warn of further weather pattern disruptions due to an unprecedented El Nino event, potentially impacting global weather and harvests.
