Tiger Mosquitoes Bring Untreatable Virus to Europe

Climate warming creates ideal conditions in Europe for the spread of Asian tiger mosquitoes, which carry tropical viruses such as chikungunya and dengue fever. These diseases have no effective treatment and the number of cases in Europe is growing.

Climate warming is making Europe an increasingly favourable habitat for the spread of Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes mosquitoes), bringing a serious threat — viruses from tropical regions with no effective treatment are coming ever closer to Europeans.

Tiger mosquitoes are the primary vectors of chikungunya and dengue viruses, which cause fever and debilitating joint pain that can last weeks or even months. To date, these diseases have been associated mainly with tropical countries, but according to scientists, the situation will change dramatically in the coming years.

The range of mosquito distribution is already expanding in Europe — tiger mosquitoes have been detected in Spain, Italy, France and several other Southern European countries. Milder winters and humid summers create ideal conditions for them to overwinter and reproduce, which is why entomologists have expressed concern that the number of infections could rise significantly in the coming years.

The problem is also that no widely available treatment has yet been developed for chikungunya or dengue virus — doctors can only alleviate the symptoms of the disease. The lack of medication makes prevention work particularly important. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water in gardens and on balconies where mosquitoes breed and to use mosquito repellents.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has already warned that climate change increases the risk of vector-borne disease spread across Europe, including in northern regions. Experts stress that local health authorities must prepare for an increase in cases caused by tropical diseases and inform the public in good time.