Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that record breaking outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and chikungunya virus disease point to a ‘new normal’ in Europe prompting the need for a robust and coordinated response to protect public health across Europe. 

Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV infection and chikungunya virus disease. This shift is driven by climatic and environmental factors such as rising temperatures, longer summer seasons, milder winters and changes in rainfall patterns — conditions that combine to create a favourable environment for mosquitoes to thrive and transmit viruses.  

“Europe is entering a new phase — where longer, more widespread and more intense transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is becoming the new normal. ECDC is working closely with all Member States to provide tailored support and timely public health guidance to strengthen Europe’s response”, said Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC Director. 

New ECDC guidance outlines practical surveillance, prevention, and control measures for chikungunya virus disease, dengue, and Zika virus disease, with tailored recommendations for European countries, including those with limited experience or that have not previously faced the threat of these mosquito-borne diseases. Designed for public health authorities, the guidance provides a ready-to-use practical toolkit to assess risk levels and deploy preparedness and control measures suited to their specific situation. An ECDC guidance for West Nile virus is also available.