As climate change creates more favorable conditions for disease vectors, cases of dengue fever almost doubled in the EU last year, the latest official figures reveal.
Dengue fever spread by Tiger Mosquitoes
Dengue fever, also called “brittle fever” because of the intense joint pain it causes, is a potentially fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), named for their black and white striped bodies, are vectors of dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus.
This invasive species is increasingly spreading to the north, east and west of Europe, the fastest warming continent, and now has self-sustaining populations in 13 countries:
Climate change and El Niรฑo favor the spread of Dengue
Last year also saw record numbers of dengue cases reported globally, with more than 6.5 million cases in more than 80 countries, resulting in 7,300 deaths linked to the disease. Several factors are at the origin of this epidemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO):
Other mosquito-borne diseases in Europe
Tiger mosquitoes aren't the only species of concern benefiting from climate change. The yellow fever mosquito, also a vector of dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus, arrived in Cyprus in 2022. Its potential for establishment in other parts of Europe is of concern due to its significant ability to transmit pathogens and its preference for biting humans.
In March this year, an indigenous case of West Nile virus infection was reported in Seville, Spain, highlighting that transmission of this virus can occur very early in the year, probably due to climatic conditions favorable.
In Italy, the Anopheles sacharovi mosquito, a vector of malaria, was identified by scientists earlier this year in Puglia, 50 years after the country was declared free of the disease. Rising temperatures as well as the rehabilitation of its former habitats would be to blame.
Faced with these growing threats, it is crucial to closely monitor the spread of these invasive species and take measures to limit their impact on public health in a warming world.
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