Context: Despite historically low local transmission rates, Europe saw a significant increase in dengue cases in 2022 and 2023, with France and Italy most affected.
Higher temperatures, expanding mosquito populations, increased travel-related transmissions, and inadequate vector control measures are contributing to the rise in dengue cases in Europe.

Key Points

• Rising Dengue Cases in Europe:

• Europe has seen an increase in locally transmitted dengue cases, from 9 cases (2015-2019) to 130 cases in 2023, mainly in France and Italy.

• Factors Contributing to Dengue Spread:

• Higher temperatures, increased mosquito populations, more travel-related cases, and inadequate vector control are key factors in the rise of dengue in Europe.

• Role of ECDC and WHO:

• The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) monitor and provide guidelines for controlling dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

• Impact of Climate Change:

• Climate change contributes to longer breeding seasons for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue in non-endemic regions.

• Rising global temperatures and increased rainfall create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby expanding the geographic range and incidence of dengue fever. Climate change is a significant factor in the spread of dengue to non-endemic regions like Europe.

• Public Health Response:

• Effective vector control, increased awareness, and appropriate public health measures are crucial for mitigating the spread of dengue in Europe.

About Dengue Fever

• Transmission and Vector:

• Dengue fever is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which thrive in warm climates and urban areas.

• Symptoms and Severity:

• Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal if untreated.

• Global Incidence:

• Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Cases have significantly increased, with over 2 million reported globally in 2019 and under-reporting estimates suggesting nearly 400 million infections annually.

• Prevention and Control:

• Key preventive measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents, and implementing community-based vector control programs. Awareness and early diagnosis are critical for managing outbreaks.

Aedes albopictus mosquito

• The Aedes albopictus mosquito, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is a highly invasive species known for its distinctive black and white striped appearance.

• Disease Vector: This mosquito is a known vector for several diseases, including: Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika virus, Yellow fever.

• Controlling the spread of Aedes albopictus involves eliminating standing water where they breed, using insect repellents, and implementing community-wide mosquito control programs.