It said longer and hotter summers in Europe, with more frequent and severe flooding and heat waves, was creating more favourable conditions for mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.
It said, for example, that there were 1133 human cases and 92 deaths of West Nile virus infection reported in the EU/EEA last year, 1112 of which were locally acquired.
It said 723 of the locally acquired cases were reported by Italy.
“In recent years we have seen a geographical spread of invasive mosquito species to previously unaffected areas in the EU/EEA,” ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said.
“If this continues, we can expect to see more cases and possibly deaths from diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever.
“Efforts need to focus on ways to control mosquito populations, enhancing surveillance and enforcing personal protective measures.”
ANSA
