Tiger mosquitoes behind dengue fever rise in Europe | BBC News

Summary

An invasive Asian tiger mosquito, known to carry diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, has spread to 13 EU countries, including France, Spain, and Greece. Linked to a surge in dengue cases, the mosquito's advance is attributed to climate change creating favorable breeding conditions. With the Olympic Games in Paris and increased travel, authorities are monitoring and raising awareness to prevent further spread and educate the public on protection measures, such as using mosquito nets and repellents.

Takeaways

• 🌍 An invasive mosquito species, the Asian tiger mosquito, has been found in 13 EU countries including France, Spain, and Greece.
• 🚨 The discovery of this mosquito is linked to a rise in Dengue fever, with locally acquired infections in Europe nearly doubling to 130 last year.
• 🏥 Health authorities are monitoring the spread of the mosquito, which has reached as far north as Paris, where the Olympic Games are scheduled for July.
• 🌡️ Climate change is cited as a factor in the mosquito's expansion into Europe, creating favorable humid and warm conditions.
• 📍 The mosquito has been detected in northern regions of France, Germany, and also in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• 🤒 Dengue fever, which the mosquito can transmit, can cause flu-like symptoms but can also be severe and potentially fatal.
• 📈 There is concern over the increasing spread of the mosquito and the potential for 2024 to be a worse year in terms of disease transmission.
• 🛡️ Prevention measures include the use of mosquito nets and repellents to avoid being bitten.
• 🏙️ In areas expecting large gatherings, like Paris, there is an effort to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• 📢 A public awareness campaign is underway to inform people about the risks of mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit.
• 🔍 Health reporter Philippa Roxby is following the story and providing updates on the mosquito's spread and efforts to combat it.

Q & A

What invasive mosquito species has been found in the EU?

The invasive mosquito species found in the EU is the Asian tiger mosquito.

Which countries in the EU have reported the presence of the Asian tiger mosquito?

The Asian tiger mosquito has been found in 13 countries in the EU, including France, Spain, and Greece.

What disease is the Asian tiger mosquito known to carry?

The Asian tiger mosquito is known to carry diseases like Dengue fever and Zika virus.

How has the number of locally acquired Dengue fever infections in Europe changed recently?

Locally acquired infections of Dengue fever in Europe have almost doubled to 130 last year.

Why are authorities concerned about the Asian tiger mosquito spreading further north?

Authorities are concerned because the mosquito's spread is linked to a rise in Dengue fever and it is moving into regions with favorable conditions for its survival, such as Paris where the Olympic Games will take place.

What factors are contributing to the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito into Europe?

Experts suggest that climate change is creating humid, warm conditions that are favorable for the mosquito, allowing it to push further north into countries like France and Germany.

What measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito?

Measures to prevent the spread include using mosquito nets, applying repellent, and finding and eliminating breeding grounds where the mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Why is raising public awareness important in the context of the Asian tiger mosquito?

Raising public awareness is important to inform people about the mosquito's ability to transmit diseases and to encourage them to take preventive measures to avoid being bitten.

What is the potential impact of the Asian tiger mosquito on the Olympic Games in Paris?

The potential impact includes the risk of Dengue fever transmission among the athletes and visitors, which could affect their health and the event's success.

What are the symptoms of Dengue fever and how serious can it be?

Dengue fever symptoms are similar to the flu, but the disease can be serious and even fatal in some cases.

What concerns do experts have regarding the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito in 2024?

Experts are worried that the spread of the mosquito could worsen in 2024, leading to an even greater risk of Dengue fever transmission.