Europe Faces ‘New Normal’ as Mosquito-Borne Diseases Intensify

Europe Faces ‘New Normal’ as Mosquito-Borne Diseases Intensify
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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning that Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV) and chikungunya, Anadolu Agency reported. This shift is being driven by climate and environmental changes, such as rising temperatures, longer summers, and milder winters, which are creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive and spread viruses.

According to Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC director, this trend signifies that “longer, more widespread and more intense transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is becoming the new normal.” The ECDC is collaborating with member states to provide public health guidance and strengthen the continent’s response.

As of August 13, 2025, eight European countries have reported 335 locally acquired cases of WNV and 19 deaths, with Italy being the most affected country. Additionally, France has confirmed 111 cases of chikungunya, and Italy has reported seven. The ECDC has also noted that WNV infections are expanding into new areas for the first time, such as in the Italian provinces of Latina and Frosinone and in Salaj County, Romania.

In response to this escalating situation, the ECDC has released new guidelines and toolkits for public health authorities to help them with surveillance, prevention, and control measures. Dr. Celine Gossner, head of Section Food-, Water-, Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases at ECDC, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced and environmentally friendly mosquito control measures to protect a growing number of people at risk.