Experts warn of dengue outbreaks spreading to the UK

In recent years, rising temperatures in Europe have raised concerns among health experts regarding the spread of tropical infectious diseases, such as dengue fever and West Nile Virus. Shifted climate patterns, characterized by increased heat and humidity, have created favorable conditions for pathogens, allowing them to thrive. According to a report by researchers published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal, dengue and chikungunya outbreaks may become five times more common by 2060 if worst-case climate scenarios unfold. Asian tiger mosquitoes, carriers of dengue, are now present in various European countries, including Croatia, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. The UK has also been flagged as potentially vulnerable to such outbreaks due to climate change. Rising cases have already been reported; in 2024 alone, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control documented 304 instances of dengue. This figure drastically exceeds the cumulative total of 275 cases from the prior 15 years, indicating the disease could potentially become endemic to Europe. The spread of tropical diseases like dengue is compounded by climate change, global travel, and the migration of mosquitoes into new regions, increasing the risks associated with these illnesses. Alongside the transmission of infectious diseases, scientists are also concerned about the implications of flooding and extended rain periods, which could disrupt water management and lead to contamination issues, including the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For Europe to adapt to such challenges, health experts call for taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance public health strategies. Better mosquito and tick population control, increased vaccination for tick-borne diseases, and public education on avoiding insect bites are crucial steps required to mitigate these risks. Collaborative efforts among governments, healthcare providers, and the public are necessary to fend off the impending threat posed by climate change to European health security.