Breakthrough Research Predicts Dengue Fever Risk in Europe
Context:
A recent study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has highlighted the growing threat of dengue fever in Europe, driven by the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
Dengue fever, often called the “bone breaker” due to its severe muscle and joint pain, poses a serious health risk. In some cases, the disease can lead to internal bleeding and even death. The mosquito spreads the virus by biting infected travellers abroad and then transmitting it to others locally.
More on News:
- Global movement, trade, and climate change are increasing the risk of dengue fever, which affects half of the world’s population.
- The disease has led to local dengue outbreaks in France, including Paris, Italy and Spain.
- Scientists anticipate the invasive species will eventually establish itself in the UK.
Key Highlights:
- The new modelling approach divides Europe, eastern Asia, and North America into 10km squares, offering daily risk assessments.
- By analysing the entire life cycle of mosquitoes, including how local climate and food competition affect mosquito traits like lifespan and egg production.
- Accurate predictions can guide local authorities in taking preventative actions, such as managing standing water where mosquitoes breed and advising public protection against mosquito bites.
- Authorities should inspect areas where mosquitoes are likely to lay their eggs, such as standing water, similar to the approach taken during the Paris Olympics.
- Asian tiger mosquitoes are already established in 13 European countries. Knowing the peak times and severity of dengue fever risk in these regions is crucial for effective management.
Implications:
- For regions where the species is not yet present, understanding the potential risk if the mosquito arrives is important.
- The rapid spread of the mosquito can lead to outbreaks in a short timeframe, as demonstrated by Paris, which went from first detecting the mosquito in 2015 to experiencing a dengue outbreak by 2023.
- The modelling techniques can also be applied to other mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya and Zika. Researchers are developing risk maps for these diseases as well.
Asian tiger mosquitoes, also called forest mosquitoes, are an exotic species named for the distinctive white stripe running down their head and back. Originally from Southeast Asia, this daytime-biting insect can transmit harmful diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya and dengue fever.
They are black with silvery white markings. Like all mosquito species, male mosquitoes have noticeably bushier antennae than females, which contain auditory receptors for detecting the characteristic buzz of females.
