An invasive mosquito species has been discovered in 13 EU countries, including France, Spain and Greece, with experts attributing the rise in dengue fever in Europe to their presence. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has stated that climate change is providing favourable conditions for the spread of the tiger mosquito. Even as far north as Paris, where the Olympic Games are set to take place at the end of July, authorities have been actively monitoring and trapping these insects.
The ECDC has issued a warning that international travel could further increase the risk of more outbreaks across Europe, the BBC reported . They have advised people to eliminate stagnant water from gardens or balconies, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and to use repellents and mosquito nets during the night. A man was spotted hunting for these invasive mosquitoes in Paris near the Stade de France on 28 May.
Over the past two decades, mosquitoes have become an increasing threat in Europe. The Asian tiger mosquito, aedes albopictus, considered the most invasive mosquito species globally, is now spreading across Europe from its southern European 'base camp'. It has established itself in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain, as per the ECDC.
This mosquito species has also been recorded in Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, the Netherlands and Slovakia. Tiger mosquitoes, known for spreading dis.
