2023-12-22 18:34:00
Dengue fever can spread in Europe through overwintering mosquitoes
December 22, 2023, 7:34 p.m. Listen to article
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Dengue fever is an infectious disease usually found in tropical and subtropical regions. But there are also cases in Europe due to climate change. The WHO warns that these could increase in the future, because the stinging carriers even survive the winters in Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the spread of certain mosquitoes in Europe and thus an increase in dengue cases. The danger is growing due to climate change and the associated rising temperatures, said WHO specialist Diana Rojas in genf. This year, Italy has reported 82 locally transmitted infections, France 43 and Spain 3. European countries still have the chance to prevent these mosquitoes from spreading further, if possible, said Rojas. Worldwide, the number of reported cases increased tenfold from 2000 to 2019.
Small populations of the tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), which transmit dengue fever, already exist in southern Europe. The eggs could survive the winter and larvae could hatch when the weather got warmer.
New areas of expansion due to climate change
Aedes mosquitoes are mostly active during the day. They occur primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, but are spreading rapidly, both to other latitudes and to higher altitudes, in Nepal for example to more than 2000 meters. The viral infection is often mild, but in ten percent it can cause serious complications. The WHO estimates the number of infections at almost 400 million per year. Only a fraction of these are actually diagnosed and reported. There are currently no effective treatments.
People can protect themselves by using mosquito spray and long-sleeved clothing. Breeding areas such as standing water would have to be eliminated. This also includes, for example, plant saucers on the balcony.
According to the WHO, most cases have been reported from North and South America this year, more than 80 percent. However, monitoring is not sufficient in many places. Experts assume that the number of infections is significantly higher.
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