Copenhagen, Denmark — European Union officials warned on Thursday that climate change is increasing the risk of mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue and chikungunya in Europe.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said that because heat waves are increasing in Europe, heat waves and floods are becoming more frequent and severe, and summers are getting longer and hotter, for invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus and Conditions are more favorable. Aedes aegypti.
The Stockholm-based agency said in a report that Aedes albopictus is a known vector of chikungunya and dengue virus and is establishing itself in Europe to the north and west. The other mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which is known to spread dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika and West Nile virus, has become established in Cyprus since 2022 and may spread to other European countries.
A decade ago, the Aedes albopictus mosquito became established in eight European countries, affecting 114 regions. This year, the mosquito has become established in 13 countries and 337 territories, the ECDC said.
“If this continues, we can expect to see more cases and possibly deaths from diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever,” said Andrea Ammon, director of the ECDC. “There is a need to focus on ways to control mosquito populations, increase surveillance, and implement personal protective measures.”
Previously, diseases were imported from overseas, but “we now have domestically acquired cases,” Ammon said at an online news conference.
The agency said methods to control mosquito populations include eliminating standing water where mosquitoes thrive, using environmentally friendly larvicides and promoting community awareness about mosquito control.
To protect themselves, people can use mosquito nets, sleep or rest in screened or air-conditioned rooms, wear clothing that covers most of the body, and use mosquito repellent, the ECDC said. Can
It said that it is necessary to raise awareness about diseases spread by mosquitoes.
There is no specific treatment for dengue. While about 80% of infections are mild, severe cases can result in internal bleeding, organ damage, and death.
Chikungunya fever, a debilitating disease that is expected to affect thousands of people, was first identified in Africa in 1953. It causes severe pain in the joints but is rarely fatal. There is no vaccine and it is mainly treated with pain medication.
Ammon said 1,339 locally acquired cases of West Nile infection, including 104 deaths, are expected to be recorded in Europe in 2022, the highest number since an epidemic in 2018.
Symptoms of West Nile fever can include headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and fatigue. People with West Nile fever usually recover on their own, although symptoms may last for weeks to months.
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