Asian Tiger Mosquito Poses Emerging Oropouche Virus Threat in Southern Europe
New research indicates the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, can transmit the Oropouche virus, raising concerns for potential outbreaks in Mediterranean countries.
A newly published study reveals the Asian tiger mosquito is capable of both contracting and transmitting the Oropouche virus, a concerning development for public health officials as the climate warms and the mosquito’s range expands. While other mosquito species tested were infected with the virus, they proved unable to spread it to hosts. This finding, released on July 28, 2025, underscores the need for increased vigilance and proactive surveillance across Europe.
Oropouche Virus and Mosquito Vectors
Researchers found that four out of five mosquito species tested were infected with the Oropouche virus, including common Culex mosquitoes. However, according to the study, “No transmission has been detected for the Culex species and Aedes Aegypti.” The Asian bush mosquito demonstrated complete immunity to the virus, effectively ruling it out as a vector.
The Asian tiger mosquito, however, presented a different scenario. It can become infected through a blood meal and subsequently transmit the virus. Crucially, this transmission was only demonstrated in laboratory settings at summer temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. “The vector competence of Aedes Albopictus is therefore low, but not immediately zero—that makes vigilance and further research necessary,” stated a senior author from the Bernhard-Nocht-Institut.
Mediterranean Region at Risk
Risk analyses suggest that regions within the Mediterranean basin—specifically Spain, southern Italy, Greece, and Turkey—are particularly vulnerable to Oropouche transmission. These areas have already established populations of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito and experience temperatures conducive to both infection and transmission. The potential for infection is heightened for travelers visiting these popular holiday destinations.
“Our results show that Oropouche could in principle also be transferred in Europe if infected travelers meet populations of Aedes Albopictus in warmer regions,” explained a researcher involved in the study. While predicting autochthonous outbreaks—infections transmitted locally by mosquitoes—remains difficult, the possibility exists. As one official noted, “But as with Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya, we can see that introduced viruses can also circulate with us under certain conditions by invasive mosquito species.”
The Importance of Surveillance and Early Warning Systems
The research team strongly emphasizes the critical need for integrated surveillance and early warning systems for mosquito-borne diseases throughout Europe. Given the accelerating effects of climate change, such systems will become increasingly vital in the future.
The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases (2025; Two: 10.1093/Infdis/Jiaf356), highlights the complex interplay between viral vectors, environmental factors, and public health. The research was conducted by the Bernhard-Nocht-Institut for Tropical Medicine and reported by Nadja Podbregar. Continued monitoring and research are essential to mitigate the potential threat of Oropouche and other emerging mosquito-borne illnesses.
