In a concerning development, Europe is witnessing a surge in dengue fever cases, with the invasive Asian tiger mosquito identified as the primary culprit. The mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus, has been found in 13 countries within the European Union, including France, Spain, and Greece. Experts are attributing the rise in dengue cases to the spread of this invasive species.
The tiger mosquito, predominantly found in tropical countries, is now establishing its presence in Europe due to climate change. Rising temperatures and increased travel are creating ideal conditions for these mosquitoes to thrive. The summer season, in particular, is proving to be a conducive environment for the proliferation of these disease carriers.
Dengue fever, also known as “breakbone fever” due to the severe muscle spasms and joint pain it inflicts, is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. The symptoms, which appear four to ten days after a bite, are similar to the flu. While the disease is not usually serious and often resolves on its own, some people develop a more severe form of dengue, which can be life-threatening.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the rapid rise in dengue cases across Europe. Some infections have turned severe, with the number of locally acquired cases in the EU last year reaching 130, compared to just 71 in the ten-year period between 2010 and 2021. Imported cases have also seen a significant increase, with 1,572 cases in 2022 and 4,900 in 2023, marking the highest number since the start of EU monitoring in 2008.
The ECDC director, Andrea Ammon, has expressed concern over the situation. “Europe is already seeing how climate change is creating more favourable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected areas and infect more people with diseases such as dengue,” she said. “Increased international travel from dengue-endemic countries will also increase the risk of imported cases, and inevitably also the risk of local outbreaks.”
In response to the rising threat, authorities are advising people to remove stagnant water from gardens or balconies, where mosquitoes can breed, and to use repellents as well as screens on windows and doors. In France, which is hosting the Olympics in July, alarm bells have already started ringing this year.
This unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change on public health. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the climate crisis, the spread of diseases like dengue fever underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to mitigate these impacts.
Keywords: Europe, dengue fever, tiger mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus, climate change, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Andrea Ammon, public health.
