The study, published in Lancet Planetary Health, examined how the climate and other factors have influenced the spread of dengue and chikungunya in Europe in the past 35 years. He found that epidemics have become more frequent and severe since 2010, in accordance with the rise in temperatures.
“Our results underline that the EU goes from sporadic epidemics of diseases of origin to an endemic state,” said the study.
In 2024, the hottest year ever recorded, a total of 304 cases of dengue was reported in the EU – “a historic peak compared to the total combined of 275 cases in the previous 15 years,” the study said.
Countries like Italy, Croatia, France and Spain all have epidemics, said the study, adding: “The trend suggests a progression of sporadic cases to endemicity in these countries.”
In June of last year, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control revealed that there were 130 cases of dengue locally acquired in the EU / EEE in 2023, against only 71 during the 10 -year period between 2010 and 2021.
According to the study, in the worst climatic scenarios, the spread of dengue and chikungunya could increase the current rate by 2060 to five times.
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