Dengue fever cases are on the rise in Europe, with experts pointing to tiger mosquitoes as the main spreaders of the disease. Tiger mosquitoes, known scientifically as Aedes albopictus, have expanded their presence into 13 European countries, as reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
These mosquitoes are carriers of the dengue virus, capable of transmitting it to individuals who have not been previously infected, confirmed by Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Minnesota. The adaptability of tiger mosquitoes to cooler climates poses a significant concern, making them a global health threat.
The increasing temperatures globally are facilitating the northward movement of tiger mosquitoes, making them more prevalent in urban environments. These aggressive mosquitoes have the capability to bite humans and animals at any time of the day, unlike other mosquito species which are more active at dawn and dusk.
Health officials attribute the spread of these insects to climate change, creating favorable conditions for them to thrive in areas previously unaffected. Andrea Ammon, director of ECDC, emphasizes the role of climate change in facilitating the spread of invasive species like tiger mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue outbreaks.
While dengue fever is more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, the presence of tiger mosquitoes in the United States since 1985 raises concerns about potential disease transmission. Although currently deemed a nuisance, the adaptability of these mosquitoes to urban environments suggests a possibility of them becoming a health concern in the future.
The risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases extend beyond dengue, as mosquitoes are carriers of various pathogens like malaria, Chikungunya virus, Zika virus, and Dirofilaria. Theel emphasizes the seriousness of these infections, with global implications necessitating effective preventive measures to curtail their spread.
Preventive strategies advised by experts include using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon and eucalyptus oil, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed. Additionally, individuals living in high-risk areas should use mosquito nets when sleeping and take measures to prevent mosquito bites to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
With the global impact of mosquito-borne diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality annually, raising awareness about preventive measures and implementing effective vector control strategies remain crucial in combating these health threats.