Europe has a new problem with mosquitoes. Here's why its serious

New research shows that dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic in Europe. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, was conducted by researchers in Sweden and Germany and examined the spread of dengue and chikungunya in Europe for over three decades. Here's what it showed and why it blamed climate change read more
A new study shows that dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic in Europe.
Europe has a new problem.
A new study shows that dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic on the continent.
The reason for this?
Climate change is causing mosquitoes to spread to Europe.
But what happened? What do we know?
Let's take a closer look:
What do we know?
The study was published in The Lancet Planetary Health.
It was conducted by researchers in Sweden and Germany.
As per Politico, the study looked at the spread of dengue and chikungunya in Europe over the past three decades.
Dengue and chikungunya are spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes respectively.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Around half of the world's population is at risk of dengue. There are an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
It is usually found in tropical and sub-tropical climes. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.
Chikungunya is a disease caused by the virus of the same name.
The latter is known as a tiger mosquito. Its symptoms are remarkably close to that of dengue.
The data showed that as temperatures spiked since 2010, outbreaks have recurred more frequently and become worse.
'Our findings highlight that the EU is transitioning from sporadic outbreaks of Aedes-borne diseases towards an endemic state,' the study stated.
It found that the European Union in 2024, the hottest year on record, witnessed 304 dengue cases.
That number was 'a historic peak compared with the combined total of 275 cases in the previous 15 years,' the study said.
Meanwhile, Italy, Croatia, France and Spain all saw dengue outbreaks.
'The trend suggests a progression from sporadic cases towards endemicity in these countries,' the study read.
Why is this happening?
Because global warming is making tiger mosquitos venture further north.
The French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, for example, recently witnessed a deadly outbreak of chikungunya.
The higher that temperatures go, the more the risk of outbreaks from tiger mosquitoes, the researchers said.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
'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 year 2024 was the hottest on record. Reuters.
Researchers said both dengue and chikungunya could increase five times their current rate by 2060 – if the worst climate change scenarios occur.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in June 2024 found just 130 locally acquired cases of dengue in the EU/EEA in 2023.
That number was at 71 in the decade between 2010 and 2021.
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.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
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.
With inputs from agencies

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

20 ‘jaundice' cases reported from 4 city localities

1 2 Bhubaneswar: At least 20 suspected jaundice cases have been reported from four localities in the city, with authorities also trying to contain the spread of dengue. The urban metropolitan surveillance unit (UMSU), formed at Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters with a nodal officer in the rank of additional director of public health, is monitoring the situation. "Blood samples have been collected based on symptoms. After reports come, we will be able to confirm whether they are jaundice cases," said a BMC officer. "The cases have been reported from Badagada, Uparasahi, Karuna Basti and Kalinga Basti," he added. At three locations, awareness campaigns were held to sensitise residents on the use of clean water. They were educated on how to flag concerns based on symptoms and avoid transmission and asked to take preventive steps. "We are fully alert and prepared. Multiple surveillance teams are working to ensure early detection of cases," the officer said. City health officer Deepak Bisoyi said so far 35 dengue cases have been detected. In view of incessant rain, chemical fogging to kill larvae and mosquitoes has not started. However, 220 workers have been engaged to destroy mosquito breeding sources. "This year, the dengue spread is slow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live by the Beach at Sunteck's 2/3BHK Homes starts @₹98L+ Sunteck Realty Learn More Undo But cases have been detected a bit early because the monsoon arrived before the normal date," Bisoyi added. "BMC has been observing every Friday as 'dry day' to carry out mosquito source destruction exercises in various wards," he said. "Stagnant water sources at the big, colony, mini and neighbourhood parks in the city become mosquito breeding ground that people often fail to notice," Bisoyi said. Officials said many people who go to the parks between 4 pm and 5 pm and early morning (before sunrise) get bitten by the Aedes mosquito, which causes dengue. The city has 77 colony (neighbourhood) and 64 big parks that contribute to the green cover. They are also hangout places, fitness centres, places for thinkers and poets, playing areas for children, and relaxing platforms for the elderly. But after some people claimed they contracted dengue after sitting in parks, these places have come under scrutiny. BMC said various govt and private offices and schools have been directed to inspect mosquito breeding sources and destroy them. There are open stockyards in offices and schools, which have abandoned items that turn into places for mosquito breeding, officials said.

New Indian Express

10 hours ago

• New Indian Express

More microplastics in glass bottles than in plastic bottles: Study

PARIS: Drinks including water, soda, beer and wine sold in glass bottles contain more microplastics than those in plastic bottles, according to a surprising study released by France's food safety agency Friday. Researchers have detected the tiny, mostly invisible pieces of plastic throughout the world, from in the air we breathe to the food we eat, as well as riddled throughout human bodies. There is still no direct evidence that this preponderance of plastic is harmful to human health, but a burgeoning field of research is aiming to measure its spread. Guillaume Duflos, research director at French food safety agency ANSES, told AFP the team sought to "investigate the quantity of microplastics in different types of drinks sold in France and examine the impact different containers can have". The researchers found an average of around 100 microplastic particles per litre in glass bottles of soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea and beer. That was five to 50 times higher than the rate detected in plastic bottles or metal cans. "We expected the opposite result," PhD student Iseline Chaib, who conducted the research, told AFP. "We then noticed that in the glass, the particles emerging from the samples were the same shape, colour and polymer composition -- so therefore the same plastic -- as the paint on the outside of the caps that seal the glass bottles," she said. The paint on the caps also had "tiny scratches, invisible to the naked eye, probably due to friction between the caps when there were stored," the agency said in a statement. This could then "release particles onto the surface of the caps", it added.

Hindustan Times

16 hours ago

• Hindustan Times

Artichokes, a beloved Mediterranean vegetable, are a true culinary gem

Artichokes, a beloved Mediterranean vegetable, are a true culinary gem. With tender hearts and meaty leaves, they offer a subtle, nutty flavour perfect for antipasti, dips, pasta, and gourmet salads. A staple in Italian, French, and Spanish cuisine, artichokes can be grilled, stuffed, steamed, or marinated — adding elegance and depth to even Indian dishes. Preparing and eating them may take effort, but it's a labour of love your taste buds will thank you for. Once you remove the leaves and the choke, you'll reach the prized heart — a delicious reward for your patience. Cutting artichokes can seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, it becomes much easier. Medicos and dieticians alike praise artichokes for their abundance of antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are known to support digestive health, liver function, and heart wellness. Dr Poonam Tiwari, Head of the Department of Dietetics at RMLIMS, highlights, 'Artichoke helps to regulate cholesterol levels and, as it contains cynarine, it supports bile production. It's low in calories and high in vitamins. Artichokes are both a nutritious and delicious addition to a healthy diet. Don't overcook or fry it to retain its authentic flavours.' Due to their preference for a Mediterranean climate, artichokes aren't widely cultivated in India. However, they are occasionally grown on a small scale in cooler regions like parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. They can be spotted in gourmet stores, with prices reaching up to ₹4,000 per piece. Despite their limited availability, the increasing interest in global cuisines is paving the way for artichokes to become a more common sight on Indian tables. Mediterranean Artichoke & Quinoa Salad Chef Mohd Shavez Ahmad, faculty at IHM, shares his recipe for a popular salad: 'Combine cooked quinoa with chopped canned artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss with a light dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it perfect for a nourishing, cool meal during hot days. It's easy to prepare and offers a delightful balance of flavours and textures.' For a refreshing summer option, Chef Shavez offers an easy raita recipe: 'Try a Chilled Artichoke & Cucumber Raita — a refreshing twist on a classic Indian side. Made using readily available canned or marinated artichoke hearts (found in gourmet stores or online), chopped cucumber, hung curd, mint, and a dash of roasted cumin powder, it's light, cooling, and perfect for hot summers. This fusion raita pairs beautifully with grilled dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack, blending global taste with local ease.' Artichoke & Watermelon Chaat Ranjan Thakur, Executive Chef at Fairfield Marriott, suggests a gourmet twist for summer snacking with Artichoke and Watermelon Chaat: 'Combine juicy watermelon cubes with chopped canned artichoke hearts, a sprinkle of chaat masala, lemon juice, black salt, and fresh mint. This fusion salad offers the familiar tang of Indian street-style chaat with the delicate, nutty flavour of artichokes — perfect for warm climate. It's quick to prepare, hydrating, and ideal for those looking for something tasty yet healthy and unique.'