European mosquitoes carry diseases, common in the south
European mosquitoes.
Europe has seen more cases of locally acquired dengue than the total number of cases in the previous decade, as heat waves and flooding allow invasive mosquitoes to establish themselves further north and west in the region.
To see important ads, turn off your ad blocker! Article continued below:The data released Thursday by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is a stark warning that climate change, as well as factors such as migration and land-use change, appears to be contributing to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases on the Continent.
The Europe could see more cases and potentially deaths from diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever.
What diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes?
Malaria.
A parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito.
Dengue fever.
A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that causes high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash.
Zika virus.
A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, and can lead to birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
Chikungunya.
A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that causes fever, joint pain, and rash.
Yellow fever.
A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting.
West Nile virus.
A viral disease transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that can cause fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash or swollen lymph glands.
European mosquitoes, by the way, FYI!
There were 71 cases of locally acquired dengue, with 65 in France and six in Spain. There was also a peak in cases of West Nile virus, with 1,133 cases and 92 deaths.
Most of those cases — 1,112 — were locally acquired in 11 countries, with more than 700 in Italy.
It’s the highest number of cases since 2018, when a major outbreak during that year’s heat wave killed 180 people in 10 countries.
There are two mosquitoes whose spread in Europe is most concerning.
The Asian tiger mosquito, which can transmit chikungunya and dengue viruses, and the yellow fever mosquito, which can transmit dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika and West Nile viruses.
That recent years have seen a spread of invasive mosquitoes to previously unaffected areas in the EU and EEA. But establishing the cause for these increases isn’t easy.
Fact, climate change and more warm weather may be contributing to the spike of the viruses by creating more favorable conditions for the mosquito vectors . That climate change wasn’t solely to blame, pointing to other factors include travel, land use changes and water accessibility.
European mosquitoes, how to repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes can be quite bothersome, but there are several effective methods to repel them. Apply mosquito repellent containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) to exposed skin and clothing.
Follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage.
Cover your skin as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when you’re in mosquito-prone areas, especially during the evening and early morning when mosquitoes are most active.
European mosquitoes, avoid peak mosquito activity!
Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to limit your outdoor activities during these times if possible. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so eliminate any standing water around your home, such as in flower pots, buckets, bird baths, or blocked gutters.
Regularly change the water in pet bowls and keep swimming pools properly chlorinated.
Install screens and nets.
Use window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. When camping or sleeping outdoors, use mosquito nets or screens around your sleeping area.
Use fans.
Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so having a fan running can help create a breeze that makes it difficult for them to fly close to you. Avoid wearing heavily scented perfumes, lotions, or soaps as they can attract mosquitoes.
Plant mosquito-repelling plants.
Some plants, such as citronella, lavender, basil, and marigold, have natural mosquito-repelling properties. Planting them in your garden or placing potted versions around your outdoor area can help deter mosquitoes.
There are various mosquito traps available that attract and capture mosquitoes using different mechanisms. Research different types and choose one that suits your needs.
Remember that different methods may work better in different situations, so it’s often helpful to use a combination of these approaches for optimal mosquito control.
All The Best!
