US Sees Rare but Deadly EEE Cases
In the US, cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have recently caused concern after a fatality in New Hampshire. This rare, mosquito-borne virus, which has an average of only 11 cases annually, has already infected five people in 2024. Health officials warn that with no vaccines or treatments available, the virus could spread further during its peak season in late summer, prompting some states like Massachusetts to take preventive measures by closing parks and advising people to stay indoors during peak mosquito activity.
Rising Concerns in Europe Over West Nile and Dengue
Europe faces its own surge in mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly West Nile virus and dengue fever. Unlike EEE, these diseases are more established in Europe, with West Nile virus cases on the rise over the past 15 years. This year, 13 European countries have reported cases of West Nile, and the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted a spike in Greece and Spain. Dengue, spread by the tiger mosquito, is also becoming more common, with outbreaks reported in France and Italy.
The Role of Climate Change in Disease Spread
Experts link the rising number of mosquito-borne illnesses to climate change. Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for mosquitoes, extending their breeding season and allowing them to thrive in new areas. The ECDC highlighted that the transmission season for these diseases is starting earlier and ending later, leading to longer periods of potential infection. As mosquitoes expand their range into higher altitudes and new regions, health authorities are bracing for more frequent outbreaks.
Different Mosquitoes, Different Threats
Not all mosquitoes pose the same risks. Culex mosquitoes, which transmit the West Nile virus, are prevalent in Europe, while the Asian tiger mosquito, known to spread dengue, chikungunya, and zika, is becoming increasingly common. Unlike some mosquito-borne diseases where humans can help amplify the virus’s spread, West Nile virus does not transmit from human to mosquito, limiting its spread to some extent. However, diseases like dengue, where humans play a crucial role in the transmission cycle, pose a more significant threat of urban outbreaks.
Protecting Against a Growing Threat
As mosquito-borne diseases continue to rise, experts stress the importance of preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. While the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis spreading to Europe remains low, the lessons learned from managing other diseases should strengthen monitoring and response systems worldwide. With ongoing climate changes, preparing for these evolving threats is more critical than ever.
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