Climate change prompts an increase in mosquito-related illnesses, EU official warns.
"Climate change is making it easier for invasive mosquitoes to spread and infect people with diseases like Dengue in regions that were previously unaffected, notes ECDC Director Andrea Ammon during a press event. These insects are able to thrive in warmer temperatures and survive during milder winters, allowing them to expand their territory. In fact, the mosquito species Aedes albopictus, known for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses, is joining forces with self-sustaining populations in a record-breaking 13 of the studied countries.
Last year, the ECDC reported 713 instances of West Nile virus infections, 67 of which resulted in fatalities. These cases were tracked across nine EU countries. However, this number jumped to 123 regions hit by West Nile virus infections in 2023, the most since 2018. This virus is spread by the native European mosquito species Culex pipiens - found in all the countries involved in the study.
With the arrival of the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, which can transmit dengue, chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is on the rise. This particular species settled in Cyprus and some areas close to the European Union, such as the Portuguese island of Madeira."
To mitigate these potential public health threats, the ECDC suggests taking a proactive approach. Distributing insect nets and mosquito repellent is a vital step. Additionally, taking simple actions, such as removing water puddles and standing water on balconies and gardens, can help minimize the risk of mosquito breeding grounds. These measures, when operated collaboratively, can reduce the impact of mosquito-borne diseases within Europe.
