European Agency Warns: The Spread of Mosquito-Borne Viruses is Increasing

European officials have warned that due to climate change, the risk of viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever and chikungunya, is increasing in Europe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control announced that longer and warmer summers have created favorable conditions for the invasive Aedes mosquitoes, such as the tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito. This health agency based in Stockholm reported that the tiger mosquito, known to carry the chikungunya and dengue viruses, is spreading in Northern and Western Europe, and another mosquito that transmits dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile viruses, which began to grow in Cyprus in 2022, may also spread to other European countries. A decade ago, the tiger mosquito affected eight European countries and 114 regions, but this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, it has been observed in thirteen countries and 337 regions. Andrea Ammon, director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, stated that if the current trend continues, more cases and potentially more deaths from diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and West Nile fever can be expected. This health agency emphasizes mosquito population control methods, including eliminating stagnant water, using environmentally friendly larvicides, and raising public awareness about the importance of mosquito control. The Aedes mosquito also thrives in the warm regions of Iran, and the outbreak of dengue fever in areas like Hormozgan has made headlines several times, drawing attention to the quality of mosquito control and monitoring methods in the country and the availability of sufficient funding for this purpose. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, and while about 80% of cases are mild, severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and death. Chikungunya is a disease that causes severe joint pain but is rarely fatal. West Nile fever is accompanied by symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and fatigue. Individuals infected with West Nile fever usually recover on their own. Preparations in Bandar Abbas to combat Aedes mosquitoes; what we know about dengue fever; the risk of dengue virus in Hormozgan; Ministry of Health: 'Control operations' have been carried out.