As global temperatures rise, mosquitoes are expanding into new territories — and bringing dangerous diseases with them.

This week, UK authorities confirmed West Nile virus in two mosquitoes near Nottinghamshire — a first for the country. Experts say the virus’s arrival is a clear signal of how climate change is shifting disease patterns, enabling mosquitoes to thrive in regions previously too cool.

“It’s no surprise,” says Heather Ferguson of the University of Glasgow. “Warming climates are reshaping habitats and human behavior alike.”

Meanwhile, in the fight against malaria, scientists are exploring a novel idea: treating mosquitoes as if they were patients. A new study published in Nature suggests that drugs could be used to "cure" mosquitoes of the malaria parasite — potentially blocking transmission before it begins.

As summers get longer and hotter, bug spray and science alike are becoming our best defense.