In the statement made by ECDC, “Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito), known for transmitting dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, is spreading north, east and west in Europe and is now in 13 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries.” have self-sustaining populations. The Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti), the vector of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, has recently established itself in Cyprus. Its potential for occurrence in other parts of Europe is concerning due to its significant ability to transmit pathogens and its preference for biting humans. “The Culex pipiens mosquito responsible for the spread of West Nile virus is endemic to Europe and is present throughout the EU/EEA,” it said.
THE REASON FOR THE SPREAD IS CLIMATE CHANGE
ECDC stated that environmental factors are a factor in the proliferation of such mosquitoes as a result of climate change. “Climate change is predicted to greatly affect the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe by creating environmental conditions favorable for the establishment and growth of mosquito populations,” the statement said. This year, a case of locally acquired West Nile virus infection was reported in Seville, Spain, with onset of symptoms in early March. “Although this is an isolated case, this highlights that transmission of West Nile virus can occur very early in the year, possibly due to favorable climatic conditions.”
TRAVEL WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF IMPORTED CASES
ECDC Director Andrea Ammon stated that international travel will also increase the likelihood of the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and said: “Europe is already seeing how climate change creates more favorable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected regions and infect more people with diseases such as dengue. Increased international travel from countries where dengue is endemic will increase the risk of imported cases and, inevitably, the risk of local outbreaks. “Vector control measures, early detection of cases, timely surveillance, further research and awareness-raising activities, as well as personal protective measures are very important in the regions most at risk in Europe,” he said. (DHA)
