Scientists from the UK have issued a warning about the potential risk of dengue fever spreading to popular European holiday destinations. The disease, carried by Asian tiger mosquitoes, has been increasingly seen in parts of southern France, Italy, and Spain. The mosquito’s presence was even noted at the Paris Olympics this summer, raising concerns about the potential for outbreaks in these regions.
Dengue fever is known for causing severe muscle and joint pain, earning it the nickname “break-bone fever.” In some cases, the disease can lead to internal bleeding and even death. Despite the serious nature of dengue fever, predicting its spread has been challenging in the past. However, a team led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has developed a monitoring system that can accurately predict outbreaks with a 10km radius.
Dr. Steven White, a theoretical ecologist involved in the study, highlighted Sicily as a high-risk area for dengue fever. He also mentioned other hotspots in southern Italy’s Puglia region and the Spanish city of Barcelona. Dr. White emphasized the importance of being cautious while traveling to these locations, as there is a higher risk of contracting dengue fever from the presence of Asian tiger mosquitoes.
Several European cities experienced their first outbreaks of dengue fever this year, including La Colle-sur-Loup, Baho, and Montpellier-Perols in southern France, as well as Vila-seca in Spain. The monitoring system accurately predicted these outbreaks, underscoring the effectiveness of the new approach in tracking the spread of the disease. Moreover, Paris had its first dengue outbreak last year, marking the furthest north the disease has been reported in Europe.
The spread of dengue fever in Europe is attributed to the Asian tiger mosquito contracting the virus from infected travelers returning from tropical countries. Dr. Dominic Brass, an epidemiological modeller at UKCEH, explained that southern France and northern Italy are at high risk due to favorable climate conditions, a stable mosquito population, and the influx of travelers from dengue-endemic regions. He also noted that areas of risk are expanding northward as warmer weather patterns associated with climate change create conducive environments for invasive mosquitoes.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of locally acquired dengue cases in the EU has been on the rise. In 2023, there were 130 reported cases, compared to 71 in 2022. This upward trend indicates the growing threat of dengue fever in Europe. The presence of Asian tiger mosquito eggs in southeastern England raises concerns about the potential establishment of the species in the UK in the future.
Dr. White cautioned that the UK could see the establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito as climate change impacts the region. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that dengue fever transmission could occur in London by 2060, with the mosquito becoming widespread across England in the 2040s. Currently, there are no vaccines available in the UK to prevent dengue infection, highlighting the importance of taking precautions while traveling to regions at risk.
In conclusion, the threat of dengue fever spreading to popular European holiday destinations poses a significant public health concern. The diligent efforts of scientists in tracking and predicting outbreaks provide valuable insights for travelers and health authorities to take proactive measures in mitigating the risks associated with the disease. As climate change continues to impact mosquito populations, it is crucial to stay informed and vigilant to prevent the spread of dengue fever in Europe.