The mosquito knows no borders: Regional challenges for global confrontation in the dengue battle
The mosquito knows no borders: Regional challenges for global confrontation in the dengue battle
Tags: Field trials, Mosquitoes, South/Central AmericaBarçante JMdP, Cherem J, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18. 2024.
Dengue fever is a neglected disease with a global impact, and its incidence and geographical reach are rapidly expanding. Global warming marked by higher average temperatures, precipitation, and longer periods of drought could prompt a record number of dengue fever infections worldwide, due to the thermal biology of mosquitoes. Additionally, increased movement of people, urbanization, and pressure on water and sanitation have driven the spread of dengue fever. The absence of access to tap water leads to an increased reliance on water-storing containers, which can facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes. Similarly, the lack of sanitation can contribute to the formation of small pools of stagnant water, serving as ideal breeding grounds for Aedes.
While more prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions, this viral infection, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, poses a serious public health problem, with outbreaks increasing in number and severity worldwide. In Europe, Aedes mosquito vector species are established in about 22 countries, and dengue fever has been reported for over a decade. In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, the increase in mosquito breeding sites has been identified as a determining factor for the rise in the number of cases.
