WHO warns of the spread of dengue fever in Europe

Health - WHO warns of the spread of dengue fever in Europe

The World Health Organization(WHO) is warning of a spread of certain mosquitoes in Europe and thus an increase in dengue cases. The danger is growing due to climate change and the associated rise in temperatures, said WHO specialist Diana Rojas in Geneva.

This year, Italy has reported 82 locally transmitted infections, France 43 and Spain 3. The European countries still have the chance to prevent these mosquitoes from spreading further, said Rojas. Worldwide, the number of reported cases increased tenfold between 2000 and 2019.

Mosquito eggs survive the winter

Small populations of the tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), which transmit dengue fever, already exist in southern Europe. The eggs could survive the winter and larvae could hatch when it gets warmer. According to the WHO, most cases this year have been reported from North and South America, more than 80 percent.

Aedes mosquitoes are mostly active during the day. They are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions, but are spreading rapidly, both to other latitudes and to higher altitudes, in Nepal for example to more than 2000 meters. The viral infection is often mild, but in ten percent of cases it can cause serious complications. The WHO estimates the number of infections at almost 400 million per year. Only a fraction of these are actually diagnosed and reported. Effective treatments do not yet exist.

Long sleeves help

People can protect themselves with mosquito spray and long-sleeved clothing. Breeding sites such as standing water should be eliminated. This also includes, for example, plant coasters on the balcony.

According to the WHO, most cases this year have been reported from North and South America, more than 80 percent. However, monitoring is inadequate in many places, meaning that many infections are not even reported.

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1. The yellow fever mosquito, another species known to transmit dengue fever, is also present in small populations in southern Europe.
2. The spread of dengue fever in Europe is a serious concern for health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. The WHO estimates that nearly 400 million dengue fever infections occur worldwide each year, with the majority of cases reported from regions such as South America.
4. The yellow fever mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes aegypti, is typically active during the day and is spreading rapidly to new latitudes and altitudes, including up to 2000 meters in Nepal.
5. The viral infection caused by dengue fever is often mild, but in roughly 10% of cases, it can lead to serious complications, including hemorrhagic fever.
6. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is also involved in the global efforts to combat dengue fever and other vector-borne diseases.
7. Climate change and rising temperatures have contributed to the spread of mosquito populations that carry dengue fever, leading to increased cases in various parts of Europe.
8. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on European countries to take measures to prevent the further spread of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of dengue fever outbreaks.
9. In order to protect themselves from mosquito bites, individuals are advised to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and eliminate standing water, which can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Source: www.stern.de