The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the spread of invasive mosquitoes carrying tropical diseases.
ECDC data reveals that in 2023, there were 130 cases of locally transmitted dengue fever in EU and EEA countries, nearly double the 71 cases reported in 2022. This number exceeds the total of 73 cases recorded over the decade from 2010 to 2021.
Carried by the Southeast Asian tiger mosquito and the Egyptian mosquito from Africa, the two species have rapidly spread across Europe.
Recently detected in Cyprus and Madeira, the Egyptian mosquito also transmits diseases including chikungunya and yellow fever.
Tiger mosquitoes, meanwhile, are also capable of transmitting diseases such as chikungunya, yellow fever, West Nile fever, and Japanese encephalitis.
The number of imported dengue infections, largely due to increased tourism, has also surged. From 1,572 cases in 2022, the number tripled to 4,900 in 2023, and this trend is continuing into early 2024, indicating another potential record year.
West Nile virus cases are also on the rise. In 2023, there were 713 locally acquired infections across 123 regions in nine EU countries, with 22 outbreaks reported for the first time and 67 that resulted in deaths.
While infections decreased from 1,133 in 2022, the number of affected regions has increased, signaling an escalating threat, with the tiger mosquito and common house mosquito being the main carriers.
Carried by the Southeast Asian tiger mosquito and the Egyptian mosquito from Africa, the two species have rapidly spread across Europe.
Recently detected in Cyprus and Madeira, the Egyptian mosquito also transmits diseases including chikungunya and yellow fever.
Tiger mosquitoes, meanwhile, are also capable of transmitting diseases such as chikungunya, yellow fever, West Nile fever, and Japanese encephalitis.
The number of imported dengue infections, largely due to increased tourism, has also surged. From 1,572 cases in 2022, the number tripled to 4,900 in 2023, and this trend is continuing into early 2024, indicating another potential record year.
West Nile virus cases are also on the rise. In 2023, there were 713 locally acquired infections across 123 regions in nine EU countries, with 22 outbreaks reported for the first time and 67 that resulted in deaths.
While infections decreased from 1,133 in 2022, the number of affected regions has increased, signaling an escalating threat, with the tiger mosquito and common house mosquito being the main carriers.
Source: TVP World, PAP
