Travel warnings issued for parts of Europe

Health officials have raised concerns about outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe.

Travel warning issued after disease outbreaks in European hotspots

Travel warnings have been issued for British tourists visiting parts of France and Italy due to recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Cases of dengue fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus have been reported in popular holiday areas, with local transmission confirmed in France and some suspected cases in Italy. The World Health Organization has expressed concern about the rapid spread of chikungunya, urging immediate action to prevent a repeat of severe epidemics experienced in the past.

These outbreaks reflect a troubling trend where diseases previously confined to tropical regions are emerging in Europe, largely due to climate change. Experts suggest that as global temperatures rise, the habitats for mosquitoes are expanding, increasing the risk of these diseases becoming endemic in countries not historically affected. This situation highlights critical public health challenges while also emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate issues and health security.

Highlights

Awareness and precautions are key as European summers become warmer and riskier.