- Climate change is driving tropical infectious diseases like dengue and West Nile Virus northwards into Europe as pathogens thrive in hotter, more humid conditions, with fears the danger could spread to the UK.
- Researchers project a potential five-fold increase in chikungunya and dengue outbreaks by 2060, with 2024 dengue cases in Europe already surpassing the cumulative total of the previous 15 years.
- The spread is linked to the Asian tiger mosquito, a vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which is now established in several European countries including France, Germany, and Spain.
- Beyond vector-borne diseases, altered climate conditions, such as floods, also increase the risk of waterborne illnesses by disrupting water treatment and distribution.
- Experts recommend reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing surveillance, controlling mosquito and tick populations, increasing vaccinations, and educating the public to manage these growing health threats.
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