In Europe, cases of dengue and mosquito-related diseases are on the rise. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that climate change is creating more favorable conditions for the spread of invasive mosquitoes in previously unaffected areas, leading to more people being infected. According to the European Union (EU) health agency, there were 130 cases of locally acquired dengue in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway in 2023, compared to 71 cases in 2022. This represents a significant increase compared to the period between 2010-2021 when only 73 cases were recorded. Additionally, the number of imported cases has also surged to 1,572 in 2022 and 4,900 in 2023, the highest level since European surveillance began in 2008.
The ECDC director, Andrea Ammon, stated that Europe is already witnessing the impact of climate change on the spread of invasive mosquitoes and the increased infection of diseases like dengue. Thirteen European countries are affected by these mosquito-borne diseases. In 2023, there were 713 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus in 123 regions of nine EU countries, resulting in 67 deaths. While this represents a decrease from the 1,133 cases in 2022, the number of affected regions is the highest since 2018. The mosquito responsible for spreading the West Nile virus, Culex pipiens, is native to Europe and present throughout the EU/EEA. The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, is spreading to more regions in Europe and now has established populations in 13 EU/EEA countries.
The Aedes aegypti species, which spreads yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, has recently been found in Cyprus and other peripheral regions of the EU. The ECDC emphasizes that climate change is expected to have a significant impact on the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe by creating favorable environmental conditions for mosquito populations to grow. The agency recommends coordinated measures such as mosquito nets, insecticides, residual insecticide spraying at home, removing stagnant water from balconies and gardens, and personal protection to curb these diseases.
It is crucial to take action to prevent the further spread of these mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. The ECDC stresses the importance of implementing coordinated strategies and individual protective measures to minimize the impact of climate change on disease transmission. By taking proactive steps to control mosquito populations and protect against mosquito bites, we can reduce the risk of these diseases affecting more people in the future.