Malaria could become a threat to health in Sussex because of global warming and increased air travel, a Euro-MP says.
Lib Dem Chris Huhne said the threat of malaria and other tropical diseases taking a hold in the county was serious.
According to a Department of Health study, large swathes of the South-East are now officially at risk from malaria outbreaks thanks to the twin pressures of global warming and increased air travel.
The report suggests warmer summers mean parts of the South are ideal habitats for the malaria-spreading mosquitoes.
Mr Huhne said: "We need tougher measures to disinfect planes to minimise the risk of insects introducing the disease to Britain.
"According to the World Health Organisation, there have been at least seven recorded cases of malaria in Britain in recent years where people have been bitten at or near airports."
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