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The warmer climate in Europe is making it easier for mosquitoes to carry viruses.

A study by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) found that mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are spreading to formerly colder regions of the world.

According to scientists, weather conditions like heat waves and flooding promote the growth of invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

The Aedes albopictus mosquito has already been identified in 13 nations and 337 areas, according to the ECDC.

If this keeps up, there may be a rise in instances and ensuing severe diseases.

Increasing risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe

"In recent years, we have observed a geographical spread of invasive mosquito species to previously unaffected areas in the EU/EEA," ECDC director Andrea Ammon stated.

If this keeps up, there may be more deaths as a result of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile fever.

Focus should be placed on strengthening monitoring, enforcing personal protective measures, and controlling mosquito populations.

Infection with the West Nile virus resulted in 1,133 cases and 92 fatalities in Europe in 2022.

According to reports, 1,112 instances were locally discovered in 11 different nations, which is the most cases since the epidemic's peak year of 2018.

Throughout the same year, 71 dengue cases were documented throughout Europe.

Six instances were from Spain, while 65 cases were from France.

How to reduce mosquito-borne infections and deaths?

In the report, the ECDC stated that the best methods for reducing mosquito populations include "eliminating standing water sources where mosquitoes breed, utilizing eco-friendly larvicides, and raising community awareness about mosquito control."

Avoiding being bitten is another way to prevent contracting these illnesses.

This is possible by using mosquito sleeping nets, wearing clothing that covers the majority of the body, and using insect repellent.

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