Rising temperatures caused by the global climate crisis and the rapid spread of the Asian tiger mosquito have placed Europe under a serious public health threat. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing foreign media, tropical diseases could remain active for more than six months of the year in southern countries such as Spain and Greece, and for up to two months in southeast England.
Transmission threshold drops by 2.5 degrees
A study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has revealed that the minimum temperature required for the virus to complete its development within the mosquito is 2.5 degrees lower than previously assumed. Previously estimated at 16-18 degrees Celsius, the transmission threshold has dropped to 13-14 degrees according to new data. This indicates that the virus will pose a threat over wider geographical areas and for longer durations than initially projected.
Sharp increase in infections in France and Italy
The Chikungunya virus, which was rarely encountered in the past, is now causing serious complications in central European countries. Reports indicate that while France saw only about 30 cases over the last decade, the number of infections exceeded 800 last year. The disease can be particularly fatal for children and the elderly. Approximately 40 percent of those infected continue to experience severe joint pain and symptoms of arthritis even five years after the initial infection.
Winter no longer provides protection
Under normal conditions, Europe's cold winter months served as a natural barrier by halting mosquito activity and preventing virus transmission. However, the fact that mosquitoes are now active year-round in Southern Europe suggests that this natural defense is disappearing. Experts are calling for the clearing of stagnant water, the use of protective clothing, and the establishment of effective monitoring systems to mitigate the risk.
This environmental shift highlights the growing intersection between climate change and global health security. As Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its own public health infrastructure and monitoring systems, international health organizations emphasize that such ecological changes require coordinated cross-border responses to prevent localized outbreaks from becoming regional epidemics.
