Increased incidences of mosquito-transmitted diseases in Europe reported by health authority
Europe Faces Longer and More Intense Mosquito-Borne Disease Transmission
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has announced that Europe is entering a new phase of longer, wider, and more intense transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. This shift is attributed to climatic and environmental factors such as rising temperatures, longer summer seasons, milder winters, and changes in rainfall patterns.
The ECDC did not specify which mosquito-borne diseases are expected to increase, but they have warned about the West Nile virus and chikungunya. Italy has been the European country most affected by West Nile virus, with 274 infections, and Europe has seen a record 27 chikungunya outbreaks in 2025.
Recently, for the first time, a locally acquired case of a mosquito-borne disease was reported in France's Alsace region, considered an exceptional occurrence at that latitude. The ECDC did not provide specific details about the case in Alsace, but it highlights the continued northward expansion of the transmission risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
In response to this evolving situation, Celine Gossner, Head of Section for food-, water-, and vector-borne and zoonotic diseases at ECDC, stated that the mosquito-borne disease landscape is evolving and more people in Europe will be at risk in the future. She emphasized the importance of prevention through coordinated public health action and personal protection measures.
The ECDC recommends individuals in affected areas to protect themselves against mosquito bites using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and using window screens and bed nets. However, it's important to note that the ECDC did not issue any new warnings or alerts regarding the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe.
The mosquito species Aedes albopictus, which can spread the chikungunya virus, is now established in 16 European countries and 369 regions, an increase from just 114 regions a decade ago. This expansion poses a significant concern for the future spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe.
Despite the ECDC's warnings and the increasing number of cases, it did not provide a timeline for how long this trend of longer and more intense mosquito-borne disease transmission seasons is expected to continue. It's clear, however, that prevention is more important than ever in the face of this evolving threat.
