Global Warming Brings Tropical Fever to Europe: Outbreaks in Italy and France
The tropical disease chikungunya, which causes severe and long-lasting joint pain, can be transmitted by mosquitoes in a large part of Europe, according to the latest study, and scientists warn that the spread of the disease to the north of the continent is only a matter of time.
TL;DR
- Chikungunya fever, causing severe joint pain, can be transmitted by mosquitoes across much of Europe.
- Global warming allows for longer mosquito activity periods, increasing the risk of transmission.
- The virus incubates in the Asian tiger mosquito at lower temperatures than previously estimated.
- Regions in southern Europe can experience transmission for over six months a year, with some parts of the UK affected for up to two months.
- Isolated cases have been reported in over ten European countries.
- Major outbreaks occurred in France and Italy in 2025.
- The disease can lead to long-term arthritis and severe pain, affecting up to 40% of infected individuals for five years.
- Chikungunya fever can be fatal in young children and the elderly.