As dengue fever continues to spread across Europe, experts say an invasive mosquito species is to blame.
Known as “Tiger MosquitoThe European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that a species of insect called Aedes albopictus has spread to 13 EU member states.
Dr. Eliza Thiel, director of research at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, confirmed that the Asian tiger mosquito is a “known vector” for the dengue virus and can transmit the virus to people who have not previously had it.
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“This mosquito species is of concern for a variety of reasons, including that it is considered to be the most invasive species in the world,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Although generally considered a tropical mosquito, Cool Climate“
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has spread to 13 EU member states, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has warned. (iStock)
Experts say that as temperatures rise, this mosquito species is moving further and further north around the world.
“House mosquitoes are also quite aggressive, biting humans and animals at any time of the day, not just at dawn and dusk as is the case with other mosquito species,” Thiel warned.
Health officials claimed that climate change is one of the factors contributing to the spread of these insects.
Understanding the seriousness of mosquito-borne disease dengue fever
“We are already seeing in Europe that climate change is creating favourable conditions for non-native mosquito species to spread to previously unaffected areas, transmitting diseases such as dengue to many more people,” ECDC director Andrea Ammon said in the agency’s press release.
“Increased international travel from dengue-endemic countries also increases the risk of imported cases, which inevitably Local outbreaks” she continued.
“This mosquito species is of concern for several reasons.”
“In the most at-risk areas of Europe, vector control measures, early case detection, timely surveillance, further research and personal protective measures combined with awareness-raising activities are of utmost importance.”
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever It’s a virus It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is common in countries across the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
According to the CDC, up to 400 million people become infected each year.
The vaccine is available to children in the United States ages 9 to 16 who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in an area where the disease is endemic. (iStock)
Typical symptoms include pain (in the eyes, muscles, joints and bones), nausea, vomiting and a rash, which usually appear within two weeks of being stung.
Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.
“Usually it’s a relatively mild illness, but if it becomes severe it can cause headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain “And it can be fatal,” Dr. Mark Fisher, regional medical director for International SOS, a major medical and security services company, told Fox News Digital.
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“One of the reasons for the high infection rates is that the dengue-transmitting mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has adapted to living in urban environments and coexisting with humans,” Pennsylvania’s Fisher said.
The CDC noted that there are currently no drugs to treat dengue fever.
“This species… is established in several areas. [U.S.] state. “
Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever, drink fluids, and seek medical attention.
There Vaccine available The vaccine is aimed at children between the ages of 9 and 16 in the United States who have previously tested positive for dengue and live in areas where the disease is endemic.
Dengue in the United States
Dengue is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, but experts warn it is on the rise globally.
“According to the National Invasive Species Information Center, this mosquito species was first identified in the United States in 1985 and is present in several states,” Fischer told Fox News Digital.
Typical symptoms include pain (in the eyes, muscles, joints and bones), nausea, vomiting and a rash, which usually appear within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito. (iStock)
But at present, the tiger mosquito does not appear to pose an immediate threat to the United States, Fisher noted.
“That being said, Climate Change “Mosquitoes that are impacting the planet and Aedes albopictus, which thrives in warmer climates and urban areas, are likely to become more dangerous in the coming months and years,” he said.
According to CDC data, there were 1,984 cases of dengue fever in the United States in 2024.
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Most of them are Infection abroad Before going back.
“This species of mosquito is currently found in the United States, but the virus it transmits is not prevalent or endemic in the United States, so it is currently considered a nuisance mosquito,” Thiel said.
Other risks from mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are considered the world’s most dangerous animal because they transmit a number of dangerous pathogens, the most common of which is dengue fever, “which infects more than 390 million people worldwide each year,” Thiel noted.
While dengue fever is one of the “most concerning viral pathogens” transmitted by mosquitoes, Thiel warned that mosquitoes also transmit malaria, which infects more than 240 million people every year and remains a serious problem in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Mosquitoes are considered the world’s most dangerous animal because they transmit many dangerous pathogens, the most common of which is dengue fever, which one expert says “infects more than 390 million people worldwide each year.” (iStock)
“These mosquitoes can also transmit other viruses to humans, such as chikungunya and Zika, and can also transmit the parasitic nematode Dirofilaria to both dogs and humans,” she said.
“West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus are some of the mosquito-borne viruses of concern in the United States each year, and all can cause severe illness. Neurological disorders And there are after-effects,” Thiel added.
“One million people die each year from mosquito-borne diseases, making these insects a serious threat to global health.”
Fisher said some people may be at higher risk for these diseases than others, depending on where they live in the world.
“It is important to check with local authorities to know which of these diseases you are most susceptible to, if any, and take appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases,” he advised.
“One million people die each year from mosquito-borne diseases, making these insects a serious threat. Global Health“
Preventing mosquito-borne diseases
In its warning, the ECDC called for “efficient and environmentally friendly tools to control mosquito populations” and recommended “removing stagnant water in gardens and balconies where mosquitoes breed.”
“It’s important to use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oils of lemon and eucalyptus, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects,” Fisher advised.
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“People who live in areas with a high mosquito population should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect exposed skin from bites, especially at dusk and at night, when mosquitoes are most active.”
Having screens on your windows and doors is also a good way to prevent bugs from getting in and causing disease. Spread of diseaseHe said.
Experts advise that you should always use an EPA-registered insect repellent when you’re outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are infested. (iStock)
“If you live in an area with a high incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when you sleep and eliminate standing water around your home, as standing water provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” Fisher recommends.
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“When you’re outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are infested, you should always use an EPA-registered insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” recommended Thiel.
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“Camping and Long periods outdoors Also, if you are in a forested area, you may want to consider treating your clothing with permethrin to repel insects.”
