This article was created by National Geographic Traveler (England).
High temperatures are helping disease-carrying mosquito species spread from Southeast Asia and Africa to Europe. This includes the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is the most aggressive and especially carries dengue fever. Where are these mosquitoes and how can you avoid being bitten? Here’s the latest information.
Tiger mosquitoes are usually found in Southeast Asia where humidity and heat are favorable for breeding. With climate change, the presence of this mosquito has increased in Europe. They are black with white stripes and bite during the day, unlike other mosquitoes that usually bite at dusk or dawn. They are mostly found in urban areas and near water sources. Tiger mosquitoes do not only cause itchy acne; they can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, eastern equine encephalomyelitis, chikungunya, and Zika.
Tiger mosquitoes were first found in continental Europe in Albania in 1979 and lived there for 10 years. They can now be found in over a dozen European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Croatia and Portugal. They are expected to become a problem in mainland Britain within the next 15 years. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), it is the most invasive mosquito species in the world.
However, they are not the only species to watch out for. Another ECDC report indicates: Aedes aegyptia virus that is a vector for the spread of dengue fever and yellow fever in particular, has been identified in Cyprus.Culex pipiens) is known to spread the West Nile virus and is present in all European countries except Iceland and the Faroe Islands. According to the ECDC, there were 130 recorded cases of dengue fever in Europe in 2023, compared to just over 70 in the previous decade.
The main driver is climate change, with an increase in heatwaves and torrential rains providing habitable conditions for mosquitoes. An emergency report on invasive mosquitoes commissioned by Public Health England in 2020 warns: (…) due to climate and environmental changes. ” Mosquitoes rely on external heat to heat up, so the continent’s warmer climate is as attractive as their homeland. Moreover, a recent European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report found that Europe is the continent warming most rapidly.
Fever, rash and joint pain are common but not exhaustive symptoms of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Dengue is a viral infection usually found in subtropical regions that can take several weeks to develop and in more severe cases causes vomiting, headache, sore eyes and muscle pain. Zika is usually symptomless but is dangerous for pregnant women as infection can affect the unborn baby. Chikungunya causes headaches and muscle pain while yellow fever can cause organ failure in extreme cases. Dr. Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Center, says: “If you have a fever of 38 degrees or higher or any other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms can appear up to a year after travel. »
Rachel Rowe, research professor at the Global Health Resilience Group, said “personal protective measures (…) are essential for travellers to Europe”. Loose-fitting clothing soaked in insect repellent is one of the best ways to protect against bites. Topical application of a DEET-based repellent at a concentration of 50% or more also helps keep mosquitoes away. Similarly, there is growing evidence that picaridin may be similarly effective. It is also important to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. See the vaccination website.Pastor’s Institute As for recommendations.
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