13 EU countries report a rise in dengue fever linked to the spread of invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes, due to climate change.
13 EU countries, including France, Spain, and Greece, have reported a rise in dengue fever linked to the spread of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The ECDC warns that climate change is creating favorable conditions for the mosquito to spread, leading to an increased risk of people contracting diseases such as dengue. In 2023, 130 locally acquired dengue cases were reported in affected European regions, compared to 71 in 2022. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can spread yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases, has also established itself in Cyprus and several outermost EU regions. The ECDC urges people to remove stagnant water from gardens and balconies, where mosquitoes can breed, and use repellent and mosquito nets at night.