Climate Change Increases Risk of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Europe, Warns EU

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that the warming trend in Europe, characterized by more frequent and severe heatwaves, flooding, longer and warmer summers, creates favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

According to a report by the Stockholm-based agency, Aedes albopictus, a known carrier of chikungunya and dengue viruses, has been extending its presence further north and west in Europe. The other mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, responsible for transmitting dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika, and West Nile viruses, has been established in Cyprus since 2022 and poses a potential risk of spreading to other European countries.

The ECDC revealed that a decade ago, the Aedes albopictus mosquito was present in eight European countries, affecting 114 regions. However, this year, the mosquito has been identified in 13 countries and 337 regions.

ECDC Director Andrea Ammon expressed concerns about the potential increase in cases and fatalities from diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile fever, emphasizing the need to focus efforts on controlling mosquito populations, enhancing surveillance, and promoting personal protective measures.

Ammon highlighted the shift from imported cases to domestically acquired cases of these diseases. She stressed the importance of eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, using eco-friendly larvicides, and raising community awareness about mosquito control as effective methods to control mosquito populations.

The ECDC recommended protective measures for individuals, including the use of mosquito bed nets, resting or sleeping in screened or air-conditioned rooms, wearing clothes that cover most of the body, and applying mosquito repellent.

Raising awareness about diseases transmitted by mosquitoes was deemed essential by the agency.

Dengue has no specific treatment, and while most infections are mild, severe cases can result in internal bleeding, organ damage, and even death.

Chikungunya fever, characterized by severe joint pain, is suspected to affect tens of thousands of people. First identified in Africa in 1953, it is rarely fatal, and treatment primarily focuses on managing pain as there is no vaccine available.

Ammon noted that Europe reported 1,339 locally acquired cases of West Nile infections, including 104 deaths, in 2022, marking the highest number since the 2018 epidemic.

Symptoms of West Nile fever include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue. While most individuals recover on their own, symptoms can persist for weeks to months.