Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, which lays eggs in water and requires sufficient temperature for larvae to develop into biting adults. The mosquito is native to tropical and subtropical regions but has been spreading slowly across Europe since first reported in Albania in 1979. Rising temperatures could create suitable conditions in Western Europe, enabling the mosquito to establish in northern France within a decade and reach cities such as London, Vienna, Strasbourg and Frankfurt, potentially sparking outbreaks within years. Dengue incidence rose from 505,430 cases in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019, and severe cases can be fatal.
But dengue fever could soon spread to Britain, a new study has warned. Experts from the University of Montpellier say that climate change could create the perfect conditions for the Asian tiger mosquito - the insect that transmits the virus - in Western Europe. Their models suggest that rising temperatures could spark outbreaks in cities including London, Vienna, Strasburg, and Frankfurt. Worryingly, this could happen within a matter of years, according to the team.
Dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates - and the incidence has grown dramatically in recent decades. In 2000, the WHO reported 505,430 cases around the world. However, by 2019, this figure had risen to a staggering 5.2 million. The virus is transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, which lays its eggs in water where, with sufficient temperature, larvae develop and give rise to flying bloodsucking adults.
'It is estimated that the mosquito could establish itself in northern France within a decade, from where it could easily reach London-which is already climatically suitable for hosting this vector,' said Dr Andrea Radici, lead author of the study.
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