Europe Braces for Dengue and Chikungunya as Climate Warms
Europe is on alert as a new study warns that dengue fever and chikungunya, diseases characterized by high fever, are poised to become epidemic. Teh culprit? Global warming, which is enabling the northward migration of the virus-carrying tiger mosquito.
These diseases, once largely confined to tropical regions, now threaten a broader swathe of the globe. Both dengue and chikungunya can induce high fevers, and in rare instances, prove fatal. The primary vectors are the *Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus* mosquitoes. Climate change-induced global warming is facilitating the spread of the *aedes albopictus*, commonly known as the tiger mosquito, further north.
Aedes aegypti mosquito,a primary vector for dengue and chikungunya. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks
A study published in *The Lancet Planetary Health* analyzed the impact of climate and other factors on the spread of these diseases in Europe over the past 35 years. The findings indicate a meaningful increase in the frequency and severity of outbreaks as 2010,coinciding with rising temperatures.
In 2024, the European Union recorded more then 300 cases of dengue fever. This occurred during what was the hottest year on record. This contrasts sharply with the preceding 15 years,which saw a total of 275 cases.
This discovery emphasizes that the EU is shifting from sporadic outbreaks of Aedes mosquito-borne diseases to epidemic states.
The study further warns that the risk of transmission and outbreaks increases with rising temperatures.Under the worst-case climate change scenarios, outbreaks of these diseases could increase fivefold by 2060.
Wealth and Detection
Interestingly, outbreaks are more commonly reported in wealthier areas. This suggests that better detection methods are identifying viruses that might go unnoticed in poorer countries. In these regions, cases may often go undetected.
Reunion, a French island territory in the Indian Ocean, has recently experienced fatal cases of chikungunya. The tiger mosquito is also capable of transmitting Zika virus and West Nile virus, further complicating the public health landscape.
