Dengue and chikungunya: future threats for Northern Europe?

Dengue and chikungunya: future threats for Northern Europe?

15 January 2024 | Justine Laverdeur, Daniel Desmecht, Marie-Pierre Hayette and Gilles Darcis
This article discusses the potential threat of dengue and chikungunya viruses in Northern Europe due to climate change and the spread of invasive Aedes mosquitoes. The study highlights that climate change is likely to increase the distribution and intensity of arboviruses, including dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The article reviews the current status of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in Europe, noting that Aedes albopictus has already established itself in many parts of the continent, while Aedes aegypti is still mainly found in southern regions. The study also discusses the potential for these mosquitoes to spread further north, which could lead to increased transmission of dengue and chikungunya. The article emphasizes the need for improved surveillance and preparedness in Northern Europe to prevent future outbreaks of these diseases. It also highlights the importance of understanding the factors that influence the spread of these viruses, including temperature, precipitation, and the behavior of the mosquitoes. The study concludes that climate change is likely to increase the risk of dengue and chikungunya in Northern Europe, and that proactive measures are needed to mitigate this threat.This article discusses the potential threat of dengue and chikungunya viruses in Northern Europe due to climate change and the spread of invasive Aedes mosquitoes. The study highlights that climate change is likely to increase the distribution and intensity of arboviruses, including dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The article reviews the current status of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in Europe, noting that Aedes albopictus has already established itself in many parts of the continent, while Aedes aegypti is still mainly found in southern regions. The study also discusses the potential for these mosquitoes to spread further north, which could lead to increased transmission of dengue and chikungunya. The article emphasizes the need for improved surveillance and preparedness in Northern Europe to prevent future outbreaks of these diseases. It also highlights the importance of understanding the factors that influence the spread of these viruses, including temperature, precipitation, and the behavior of the mosquitoes. The study concludes that climate change is likely to increase the risk of dengue and chikungunya in Northern Europe, and that proactive measures are needed to mitigate this threat.
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