Europe braces for persistent spread of mosquito-transmitted illnesses due to climate change implications
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the rise of mosquito-borne infections in Europe, with the continent entering a "new phase" of longer, more widespread, and intense transmissions of diseases like Chikungunya and West Nile Virus (WNV).
This new phase is largely driven by climate change and the expanding range of mosquito vectors, such as the Aedes albopictus species, which can transmit the Chikungunya virus. The mosquito is now established in 16 European countries and 369 regions, more than triple the number a decade ago.
Record-breaking infections of both WNV and Chikungunya have been reported across Europe. As of August 13, there have been 19 deaths and 335 locally acquired WNV infections reported in eight European countries, with Italy having the highest number of cases (274), followed by Greece (35), Serbia (9), France (7), Romania (6), Hungary (2), Bulgaria (1), and Spain (1). For the first time, cases of WNV have been recorded in the regions of Latina and Frosinone, south of Rome, in Italy.
Outbreaks of Chikungunya have reached a new European record this year, with 27 recorded so far. The ECDC recommends a robust and coordinated response in Europe to address this rising threat.
Key strategies and measures suggested by the ECDC include close collaboration with all Member States to provide tailored support and timely public health guidance addressing local transmission risks and outbreaks. Surveillance and monitoring systems are also crucial, with the ECDC publishing monthly maps of invasive mosquito distribution to track the spread.
Vector control measures, focusing on reducing mosquito populations through environmental management and insecticide use where appropriate, are also essential to limit disease transmission. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate communities about personal protection methods such as using repellents, window screens, and eliminating breeding sites.
Preparedness for longer and more intense transmission seasons is also vital, as Europe is experiencing expanded mosquito activity seasons due to rising temperatures, milder winters, and altered rainfall, making the emergence of local outbreaks more frequent.
The ECDC is also advocating for Integrated One Health approaches, linking human, animal (especially birds for WNV), and environmental health sectors to better understand and mitigate risks.
These measures aim to strengthen Europe’s capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks, which have reached record levels in 2025 with 27 Chikungunya outbreaks and the highest number of WNV cases in three years reported across multiple countries.
ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner emphasized that longer, more widespread, and intense transmission is becoming the "new normal," urging enhanced coordination and action across Europe. While no human-use vaccine is available for WNV, new vaccines for the Chikungunya virus have been developed.
In summary, the ECDC's approach is multi-faceted: enhanced surveillance, targeted vector control, public education, cross-sector collaboration, and preparation for climatic changes extending transmission periods, all conducted in a coordinated manner across European countries to curb the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases. Residents and visitors in affected areas are advised to adopt individual protection measures, such as using repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and using mosquito nets on windows and beds, especially for the elderly, children, or those with weakened immune systems.
