It was previously suspected that climate change is the cause of the rise of the West Nile virus in Europe, but this has now been confirmed for the first time by researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB).
Like malaria, West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. About a quarter of infected people develop symptoms such as fever and headache. Serious neurological complications occur in less than 1 percent.
Until now, climate change was only one of the possible causes that scientists put forward for the further spread, alongside deforestation and increased population density, for example. But a study published today by VUB and ULB provides more clarity: “Our results point to the major role of climate change in the advance of West Nile virus in southeastern Europe,” explains lead author Diana Erazo.
Habitat of infected mosquitoes is expanding
West Nile virus is a tropical disease that originally emerged closer to the equator. Climate change is expanding the habitat of infected mosquitoes. “We see a hotspot in the Balkans and the Mediterranean,” says co-author Wim Thiery. “As long as climate change continues, the northward migration of mosquitoes will also shift towards Scandinavia.”
“This is the face of climate change,” says Professor Thiery, “in addition to escalating climate extremes, the emergence of tropical diseases in Europe is unfortunately one of the many logical consequences of our addiction to oil, coal and gas.”
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