Excruciating tropical disease can now be transmitted in most of Europe, study finds

"An excruciatingly painful tropical disease called chikungunya can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe, a study has found. Higher temperatures due to the climate crisis mean infections are now possible for more than six months of the year in Spain, Greece and other southern European countries, and for two months a year in south-east England. Continuing global heating means it is only a matter of time before the disease expands further northwards, the scientists said."

"The analysis is the first to fully assess the effect of temperature on the incubation time of the virus in the Asian tiger mosquito, which has invaded Europe in recent decades. The study found the minimum temperature at which infections could occur is 2.5C lower than previous, less robust, estimates, representing a quite shocking difference, the researchers said. Chikungunya virus was first detected in 1952 in Tanzania and was confined to tropical regions, where there are millions of infections a year."

Chikungunya can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe because higher temperatures extend the seasonal window for infection. In Spain, Greece and other southern countries transmission may be possible for more than six months a year, and for about two months a year in south-east England. The Asian tiger mosquito has invaded Europe in recent decades, and the minimum temperature for transmission is about 2.5C lower than previously estimated. Chikungunya causes severe, prolonged joint pain and can be fatal in young children and older adults. Large outbreaks occurred in France and Italy in 2025, and further northward expansion is expected as Europe warms.

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