Mosquito-borne diseases are becoming an increasingly serious problem in Europe

Europe under attack: tropical diseases advance along with invasive mosquitoes

Tropical diseases, previously considered an exotic threat of distant countries, are rapidly conquering Europe. Climate change, global warming, and the expansion of invasive mosquito species have created a perfect storm for the spread of dangerous viral diseases on the continent.

The Asian tiger mosquito has turned into a real invader of European territories. This aggressive bloodsucker is confidently colonizing southern and central regions of Europe – from France and Italy to Germany and the Balkan countries. Its ability to transmit deadly viruses such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile presents a particular danger.

Disease statistics are raising alarms: cases of Dengue fever are no longer just a "souvenir" from tropical countries. Local infections are increasingly being recorded – Europeans are contracting the dangerous virus without leaving their home continent. In some regions, medical professionals are already facing real outbreaks of this disease.

The West Nile virus is becoming an especially formidable opponent. Spreading through local mosquito species, it has already claimed dozens of lives in recent years. The virus is particularly dangerous due to its complications – meningitis and encephalitis, which pose a deadly threat to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Weather anomalies play into the hands of winged infection carriers: mild winters and humid summers create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The situation is exacerbated by globalization – international travel contributes to the lightning-fast spread of new virus strains.

European health services are mobilizing forces to monitor the situation, but experts do not hide their concerns: in the coming years, the threat may increase many times over. Protection begins with simple measures – using repellents, eliminating standing water, and maintaining vigilant attention to the environment.

Mosquitoes have ceased to be just an annoying hindrance to summer vacations. In the new climate reality, they have become a serious threat to the health of Europeans, and the continent is already feeling the first blows of this invisible enemy.