The latest research published in the prestigious journal 'Interface' by the British Royal Society warns that chikungunya, a painful tropical disease, could become widespread in Europe. Due to climate warming, invasive tiger mosquitoes are gaining the ability to transmit the virus in 29 countries across the continent, including regions with previously cooler summers. Scientists warn that the pathogen's northward expansion is now only a matter of time.
Expansion northward
The chikungunya virus can spread at lower temperatures, enabling its transmission in regions previously considered safe, including Central Europe.
Role of the tiger mosquito
The invasive species Aedes albopictus has already colonized significant areas of Europe, becoming the main carrier of tropical pathogens dangerous to human life.
Climate favors infections
In Spain and Greece, conditions for virus infection already occur for over half a year, which is a direct result of climate warming.
Scientists from international research teams warn of a sharp increase in the risk of chikungunya virus transmission across almost all of Europe. Until now, this painful tropical condition has been associated mainly with Mediterranean countries such as Italy, France, and Spain. However, the latest analyses prove that the pathogen can spread at temperatures much lower than previously assumed. This means that even countries with temperate climates could become centers of local epidemics during summer and early autumn months. The key vector of the virus is the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), an invasive species that is increasingly effectively colonizing European cities. Climate change and rising average temperatures mean that in countries such as Greece and Spain, conditions for transmission already persist for over six months a year. Experts emphasize that this phenomenon is no longer limited to the south. The risk of outbreak hotspots now concerns as many as 29 European countries, posing new challenges for medical services in terms of epidemiological monitoring. The chikungunya virus was first isolated in 1952 during an epidemic in Tanzania. The name comes from the Makonde language and means 'that which bends up', referring to the severe joint pains that force patients into a bent posture. The disease is characterized by sudden fever and debilitating muscle and joint pains, which can persist for many months or even years after the infection subsides. Although mortality is relatively low, the burden on healthcare systems associated with caring for chronically ill patients could be enormous. As reported by The Guardian, data indicates the inevitability of further virus expansion if radical actions are not taken to limit mosquito populations and curb the climate crisis. 29 — European countries are at risk of virus transmission true: Research confirms that the chikungunya virus can spread at lower temperatures than initially thought, facilitating its expansion northward on the continent. (Royal Society Interface)