COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Officials from the European Union issued a warning on Thursday about the increasing threat of mosquito-borne viral diseases in Europe as a result of climate change.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Europe is currently undergoing a warming trend, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, flooding, and longer, hotter summers. These changing conditions create a more suitable environment for invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.
The Stockholm-based agency’s report highlights that Aedes albopictus, which is capable of transmitting chikungunya and dengue viruses, has been progressively establishing itself in northern and western regions of Europe. Another mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, known for transmitting dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika, and West Nile viruses, has already been present in Cyprus since 2022 and may potentially spread to other European countries.
According to the ECDC, a decade ago, the Aedes albopictus mosquito had established itself in eight European countries, affecting 114 regions. However, this year the mosquito is now present in 13 countries and has spread to 337 regions.
The ECDC director, Andrea Ammon, expressed concern about the situation, stating that if this trend continues, we can anticipate a rise in cases and potentially deaths from diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile fever. Ammon emphasized the need to focus efforts on controlling mosquito populations, improving surveillance, and promoting personal protective measures.
Previously, these diseases were mainly imported from other regions, but now there are cases acquired domestically within Europe, as stated by Ammon during an online news conference.
The ECDC recommended several measures to control mosquito populations, including eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, utilizing environmentally friendly larvicides, and raising awareness in communities about mosquito control.
To protect themselves, individuals are advised to use mosquito bed nets, stay or rest in rooms with screens or air conditioning, wear clothing that covers most of the body, and apply mosquito repellent, according to the ECDC.
The report emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue, for instance, does not have a specific treatment. While approximately 80% of infections result in mild symptoms, severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and even death.
Chikungunya fever, a debilitating disease that is believed to have affected tens of thousands of people, was first identified in Africa in 1953. It causes intense joint pain but is rarely fatal. There is currently no vaccine available, and treatment mainly involves managing pain with medication.
Director Andrea Ammon noted that in 2022, Europe reported 1,339 locally acquired cases of West Nile infections, resulting in 104 deaths, marking the highest number since an epidemic in 2018.
Symptoms of West Nile fever may include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue. Although individuals with West Nile fever usually recover without specific treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks to months.
Raising awareness about these diseases is crucial in order to promote prevention, early detection, and appropriate management.