Mosquitoes: New record for transmitted viruses

Stockholm. Mosquito-borne viral diseases are becoming increasingly common in Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Infection with pathogens such as the West Nile or Chikungunya viruses could become a new reality in Europe, the ECDC warned.

The Chikungunya virus, transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, has set a new record for the continent. 27 outbreaks have been reported in Europe so far this year.

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The first case of Chikungunya fever, in which the person contracted it locally, was reported in early July in Alsace, France. According to the EU authority, this is unusual at this latitude and highlights the fact that the risk of transmission is spreading further north.

According to the ECDC report, by mid-August, 335 cases of locally transmitted West Nile virus and 19 deaths had been reported in eight European countries. Italy is the most affected country with 247 cases, followed by Greece (35 cases). The ECDC expects the number of infections to continue to rise, with transmissions reaching their peak in August or September.

The ECDC cites climatic conditions that allow mosquitoes to thrive as reasons for the increasing spread of the disease in Europe: rising temperatures, longer summer periods, milder winters, and changes in precipitation patterns. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is now found in 16 European countries, and the species is also spreading in Germany.

The EU agency advises residents and visitors in affected areas—especially the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems—to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Suitable measures include mosquito repellent, clothing that covers the skin, mosquito screens on windows, and nets over beds.

RND/dpa