ECDC urges Europe to strengthen mosquito control as West Nile cases rise

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that Europe must strengthen its mosquito surveillance and broaden control tools as West Nile virus transmission expands and invasive mosquito species establish in new areas. As of August 13, 429 locally acquired West Nile cases had been reported across nine European countries, with six regions reporting local transmission for the first time this year Source: euronewses. Transmission typically peaks in August and early September, so numbers are expected to rise Source: infobae.

The threat

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which can transmit dengue and chikungunya, is now established in 16 European countries—double the number from 12 years ago Source: euronewses. Meanwhile, Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile, are already widespread Source: infobae. Climate change is lengthening and intensifying transmission seasons for these viruses, according to the ECDC Source: euronewses.

Gaps in control

A new ECDC survey of 38 countries (26 responded) found significant disparities in how mosquito control programs are organized, funded, and implemented. Many rely on short-term funding and lack long-term planning, with responsibilities split across national, regional, and local levels, hampering cross-border coordination Source: euronewses. The ECDC and EU partners, in a Eurosurveillance article, identified "deficiencies in Europe's mosquito control capacity" and called for better coordination and a broader toolkit Source: infobae.

Recommendations

• Combine mosquito and disease surveillance with larval source management and community engagement Source: infobae.
• Adapt control measures to local conditions, addressing insecticide resistance and environmental concerns Source: infobae.
• Individuals should eliminate standing water around homes and use personal protection Source: infobae.