"Climate change is pushing dengue into areas where it previously didn't exist." These were the words from the United Nations (UN) last summer, warning European countries about the emergence of outbreaks. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has confirmed that global warming is creating the conditions necessary for the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) to establish itself in European countries, including Spain.
Mosquito's Invasion Across Europe
In a recent statement, the ECDC detailed that the Asian tiger mosquito has recently been found in regions of Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovenia. The mosquito is considered the most invasive species, and globalization has facilitated its spread by sea and land, according to the specialized website 'Mosquito Alert.'
The primary diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito in these environments are dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Spain has already reported native cases of dengue transmitted by this mosquito.
Tracking Mosquito Presence
The Asian tiger mosquito may have arrived in Europe through the transport of people, tires, or goods containing standing water. It was first detected in the Balearic Islands in Ibiza in 2014, and it has been considered native since then, although it was initially introduced to Spain in 2004 in Sant Cugat del Vallés (Barcelona).
As climate change continues to alter global weather patterns, similar scenarios could unfold in the United States. The spread of invasive mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito could bring diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever to areas where they were previously rare or nonexistent. It is crucial for American public health officials and residents to stay vigilant and proactive in mosquito control and disease prevention efforts.
