2023-12-23 20:15:00
**WHO Warns of Increased Dengue Cases in Europe Due to Spread of Mosquitoes**
As global temperatures rise, the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning of the increased spread of certain mosquito species in Europe, leading to a rise in dengue fever cases. The WHO specialist, Diana Rojas, issued the warning in Geneva, emphasizing the growing danger due to climate change and rising temperatures.
The WHO’s warning comes as Italy reported 82 locally transmitted infections, France 43, and Spain 3. However, Rojas pointed out that European countries still have the opportunity to prevent further spread of these mosquitoes, if possible. She also highlighted the tenfold increase in reported dengue cases worldwide from 2000 to 2019.
The mosquito species of concern, Aedes aegypti, also known as yellow fever mosquitoes, and Aedes albopictus, or tiger mosquitoes, are already present in small populations in southern Europe. With their ability to survive the winter and hatch larvae in warmer weather, the risk of dengue fever spreading has increased.
In addition to Europe, Aedes mosquitoes have been spreading rapidly to other latitudes and higher altitudes, with reports of their presence in Nepal at altitudes exceeding 2000 meters. The viral infection caused by these mosquitoes can range from mild to causing serious complications in about ten percent of cases, and the WHO estimates the number of infections at almost 400 million per year.
With no effective treatments currently available, the WHO advises people to protect themselves from these mosquitoes by using mosquito spray and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Additionally, eliminating breeding areas such as standing water, including plant saucers on balcony, can help prevent the spread of the disease.
While North and South America reported the majority of dengue cases this year, monitoring for the disease is not sufficient in many places, leading to a significant number of unreported infections.
The warning from the WHO serves as a reminder of the urgency to take preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue fever and the mosquitoes that carry the disease.]
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