CLIMATE CHANGE AND MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES

Mosquito-borne diseases have become a major concern not only in our country but all over Europe. Climate change and the resulting temperature increase favor the spread and survival of tropical mosquito species that transmit diseases such as the Dengue fever, the Zika virus disease, yellow fever and Chikungunya.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has established itself in our country, as well as in other European countries, while the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) has been reported present in Cyprus in 2022 and will very likely soon spread to Greece as well. Taking into account the presence of the common mosquito (Culex pipiens), which is occurs across Europe and is the main vector of West Nile Virus, we realize the need to take action in order to enhance surveillance and control of mosquitoes in our country.

One option is the use of new generation environmentally friendly insecticides. In addition, the generation and release of sterile male mosquitos with the aid of the sterile insect technique, by using radioactivity (mainly X-rays), is a pioneering way of suppressing mosquito populations. Though this particular technique is still in its infancy stage, it has already given remarkable results and is expected to play a pivotal role in mosquito control in the future.

M. Dimaki
Dr of Biological Sciences

Large photo: The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has become established in our country, as in other European countries / James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Image Library (PHIL).

Small photo: koya979/Shutterstock.com

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