Dengue fever, a viral illness traditionally associated with tropical climates in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, is becoming a growing public health concern in Europe. Since 2010, local transmission of the virus has been documented across several countries on the European mainland.
The Role of Invasive Vectors
While Aedes aegypti remains the primary global vector for dengue, the spread in Europe is largely attributed to Aedes albopictus. This mosquito species has successfully established itself across southern Europe, functioning as a competent vector for the virus in non-traditional environments.
Environmental Factors and Transmission
The transmission dynamics of dengue are heavily influenced by environmental factors, including temperature and the flight range of the mosquitoes. As these invasive species adapt to European climates, researchers are focusing on how temperature fluctuations impact the efficiency of virus transmission and the overall risk to local populations.
