According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the tiger mosquito is spreading due to climate change, which has led to an increase in dengue fever cases in Europe.
From its “base camp” in southern Europe, the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), often believed to be the most invasive mosquito species on Earth, is now making its way throughout Europe.
The invasive mosquito species has established itself in thirteen European Union nations, including Greece, Spain, and France.
In the last twenty years, mosquitoes have emerged as one of Europe’s most pressing problems.
Insect monitoring and trapping operations have extended as far north as Paris, the site of the next Olympic Games in late July. According to the ECDC, more outbreaks in Europe are likely due to international travel.
In order to prevent mosquitoes, it has been recommended that people eliminate standing water in their gardens or on their balconies, apply insect repellent, and install screens on their windows and doors.
Diseases transmitted by tiger mosquitoes, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, were formerly limited to certain regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Dengue fever, which has flu-like symptoms at first, can progress to more severe and even deadly complications.
More and more epidemics have been happening recently. France had eight cases of multiple infections last year, Italy four, and Spain two.
The majority of cases in Europe are brought in from other countries, which is a result of the constant flow of people and goods. The number of imported cases reached around 5,000 last year.
Of all the diseases spread by mosquitoes, malaria is the worst. The disease may infect humans through the bites of anopheles mosquitoes, which are infected females that have been discovered in Europe as well.
If future circumstances are favorable for mosquitos, there is fear that malaria cases might potentially increase in Europe.
