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Key Points

Dengue and chikungunya, diseases primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, are becoming endemic in Europe. Researchers from Umea University and the University of Heidelberg highlight how warming temperatures contribute to this shift, necessitating immediate public health actions. The study shows a significant rise in dengue cases in 2024, with outbreaks likely to increase in frequency. To combat this, robust vector control and enhanced surveillance systems are urgently required.

Key Points: Dengue Chikungunya Endemic Rise in Europe Requires Urgent Action

  • Study by Umea and Heidelberg shows EU shift to endemic state
  • 2024 saw highest dengue cases in Europe in last 15 years
  • Global warming propels Aedes mosquito spread northward
  • Urgent public health interventions needed to combat rising outbreaks
2 min read

Dengue, chikungunya to become endemic in Europe, need proactive actions to mitigate: Study

Study finds dengue and chikungunya becoming endemic in Europe, urging robust control measures amid warming climates.

"Warmer summer temperatures were found to substantially elevate outbreak risk. - Researchers"

New Delhi, May 13

From sporadic outbreaks of Aedes-borne dengue and chikungunya, the European Union is transitioning towards an endemic state, according to a study, published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal.

The principal vectors of dengue virus and chikungunya virus are Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito.

In 2024, there were a total of 304 dengue cases in the European region -- a historic peak compared with the combined total of 275 cases in the previous 15 years.

The rising trend suggests the spread of tiger mosquitoes -- that transmit these viruses -- to farther north due to global warming, said the researchers in Sweden and Germany.

The team cited that from being mainly confined to tropical regions once, the virus' frequency and severity of outbreaks have increased since 2010. This is due to "rising temperatures".

"Climatic variables emerged as the strongest predictors of outbreak risk, even after accounting for health-care expenditure and imported case numbers," said the team including from Umea University (Sweden) and University of Heidelberg (Germany).

"Warmer summer temperatures were found to substantially elevate outbreak risk, particularly in urban and semi-urban settings, whereas human travel and mobility were found to facilitate the spread of these two Aedes-borne diseases," they added.

The study is based on an analysis of the spread of the two diseases in Europe over the last 35 years.

According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control data, most outbreaks (95 per cent) took place between July and September of 2024, with 64 occurring in the third quarter of the year.

Urbanisation, which provides new habitats for Aedes vectors, also significantly affected outbreak risk, with urban and semi-urban areas having a higher HR for outbreak events than rural areas, said the team.

"Our findings highlight that the EU is transitioning from sporadic outbreaks of Aedes-borne diseases towards an endemic state. The interval between vector establishment and local outbreaks has substantially shortened over the past three decades and is expected to decrease further," the researchers said.

The study underscored the urgent need for robust public health measures, including stringent vector control, enhanced entomological and disease surveillance, citizen science, and early warning systems.

"In the context of a warming climate, mitigating the transition to endemicity will require proactive, vigilant, and well-targeted public health interventions," the team said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is concerning but not surprising. We've seen how dengue has become a yearly nightmare in India due to climate change. Europe should learn from our experience - proper waste management and community awareness are key. Hope they act before it's too late! 🌍
R
Rahul S.
Global warming effects are real! In Delhi, we deal with dengue every year. European countries have better healthcare systems but they need to focus on prevention like we do - fogging, removing stagnant water etc. Prevention is better than cure!
A
Ananya M.
Interesting study. We Indians have lived with these diseases for decades. Maybe our doctors and researchers can collaborate with European counterparts to share knowledge. Every monsoon season teaches us new lessons about vector control.
V
Vikram J.
Climate change doesn't respect borders. While Europe is worrying now, we in South Asia have been suffering for years. This should be a wake-up call for global cooperation on public health and environmental protection.
S
Sneha P.
The study mentions urban areas being more vulnerable - same as our Indian cities! Maybe our municipal corporations can share their (limited) success stories in controlling mosquito breeding. International knowledge exchange is crucial.
K
Karan D.
While the study is important, I wish European researchers would collaborate more with tropical countries that have decades of experience dealing with these diseases. We have practical solutions that might work better than theoretical models.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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