How is climate change affecting the spread of chikungunya in Europe?

Higher temperatures due to the climate crisis enable chikungunya transmission by mosquitoes for longer periods each year and are facilitating its northward expansion.

What are the key findings about chikungunya transmission temperatures in Europe?

A new study found a significantly lower minimum temperature for chikungunya virus transmission by the Asian tiger mosquito, expanding the risk to more areas and for longer durations.

Home / Science / Chikungunya Threat: Europe Faces Tropical Disease Risk

Chikungunya Threat: Europe Faces Tropical Disease Risk

Q: What is chikungunya and how does it spread in Europe?

Chikungunya is a painful tropical disease that can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe due to higher temperatures from the climate crisis.

18 Feb

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Summary

Chikungunya virus is now transmissible by mosquitoes across most of Europe.
Rising temperatures are enabling mosquito-borne disease spread northward.
New data shows a significantly lower minimum temperature for virus transmission.

Chikungunya Threat: Europe Faces Tropical Disease Risk

A painful tropical disease, chikungunya, can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe, a recent study revealed. Higher temperatures from the climate crisis mean infections are possible for extended periods annually, even reaching south-east England for two months. Scientists warn that continued global warming will inevitably lead to further northward expansion of the disease.

The analysis, the first to fully assess temperature's effect on the virus in the Asian tiger mosquito, found a significantly lower minimum temperature for infections, a 'quite shocking' difference from previous estimates. Previously confined to tropical regions with millions of annual infections, chikungunya causes debilitating joint pain and can be fatal in vulnerable groups.