New research shows that the tropical disease called “chikungunya”, which causes severe joint pain, can now be transmitted by mosquitoes in much of Europe.
“Elchi” reports that rising temperatures due to the climate crisis and the spread of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito are creating conditions for the virus to be effective for more than six months of the year in southern countries such as Spain and Greece, and two months in the south-east of England.
The transmission threshold of the disease has decreased
A study by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) shows that the minimum temperature required for the virus to complete its development in the mosquito is 2.5 degrees lower than previously thought.
The transmission threshold, previously estimated at 16-18 degrees, has been reduced to 13-14 degrees with new data. This means that the virus will pose a threat in a wider area and for a longer period of time.
Scientists note that the rate of warming in Europe is almost twice the global average, emphasizing that the spread of the disease to the north is now only a matter of time.
Cases of infection in France and Italy
Previously rare cases of Chikungunya have turned into large outbreaks affecting hundreds of people in France and Italy by 2025.
The total number of infections in France, which was about 30 in the last decade, has increased by more than 800 in the last year.
The disease can be fatal, especially for young children and the elderly, and about 40 percent of those infected may continue to experience severe joint pain and arthritis symptoms even five years later.
Winter season is no longer protective
Typically, Europe’s cold winter months served as a natural barrier, stopping mosquito activity and preventing the virus from being transmitted from one year to the next.
However, the observation that mosquitoes are active all year round in Southern Europe indicates that this natural protection has disappeared.
Experts warn about the need to drain stagnant water, wear protective clothing and establish effective control systems
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