Tiger mosquitoes threaten to make tropical diseases endemic in Europe
Tropical diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya, may become permanently established in Europe due to the spread of tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), driven by climate change. Scientists warn that this is no longer a distant future scenario; it's happening now.
Threats that were once primarily associated with the tropics are increasingly becoming a pressing issue for the inhabitants of Europe. Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, known as tiger mosquitoes, are expanding their geographical range due to climate warming, carrying dangerous viral diseases with them.
The latest research by scientists from Germany and Sweden makes it clear: if global warming is not halted, Europe will become an endemic region for diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
From sporadic cases to a constant threat
An analysis published in The Lancet Planetary Health reveals a clear upward trend. Scientists have tracked the occurrence of disease outbreaks since Aedes albopictus began appearing in Europe.
In the last 35 years, diseases like dengue appeared sporadically. However, since 2010, more local infections have been noted. The year 2024, being the warmest in recorded history, saw as many as 304 confirmed cases of dengue—more than in the entire previous 15 years combined.
Heat favors viruses
Mosquitoes carrying viral diseases are increasingly settling in southern Europe. Local outbreaks have already been detected in Croatia, Italy, Spain, and France. Importantly, the time between the appearance of insects and the outbreak of the first local disease cases is getting shorter.
According to researchers, this is due to rising temperatures, which favor the rapid development of mosquito populations and virus activity.
Diseases permanently in the European landscape?
A phenomenon once considered exotic may become a daily reality. Scientists warn that the European Union is approaching a point where diseases like dengue and chikungunya will no longer be episodic but will become an endemic problem—consistently present without being imported from other parts of the world.
Future projections: Fivefold increase in cases
Under the worst-case scenario of climate change, by 2060, the number of dengue and chikungunya cases in Europe may be as much as five times greater than now. Experts believe that monitoring mosquito populations and early detection of infection outbreaks remain the most effective strategies. However, without curbing climate change and taking appropriate preventive actions, Europe may not be adequately prepared for the scale of this challenge.
