ECDC BELL FOR MOSQUITOES IN EUROPE - WHERE IS CYPRUS - Filenews 20/8
Cyprus was the only one among nine member countries that did not have during the period 2020-2025 systematic surveillance of Culex mosquitoes, the genus that transmits the West Nile virus, which explicitly stated in an ECDC questionnaire that it is currently in the process of developing this capability.
Regarding the aggressive Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of dengue fever and chikungunya, according to the ECDC report, Cyprus is listed among the countries that implement monitoring and control. Cyprus is even recorded as one of the few countries that has a legal framework with specific tools to facilitate mosquito control, such as the right to enter private property, tire storage regulations and import regulations related to aggressive types of tools that, according to the report, are missing from the majority of European countries. Cyprus is also among only four countries, along with Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, to say that their budget adequately covers mosquito control needs, while nine of the 17 countries implementing Aedes control reported insufficient funding.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is calling on Europe to step up mosquito preparedness and control, on the occasion of World Mosquito Day, noting that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing across the continent.
The ECDC announcement notes that the West Nile virus is spreading to new areas and aggressive mosquito species are settling in more and more parts of Europe.
According to the most recent weekly data from the ECDC, six regions of Europe recorded local cases of WNV for the first time this year. As of August 13, 2026, 429 local cases had been reported in nine European countries, with the Organization noting that, as transmission typically peaks in August and early September, more cases are expected. The ECDC notes that the spread of West Nile virus transmission, as well as the spread of aggressive mosquito species, demonstrate that Europe needs to strengthen its mosquito control capacity, while it is noted that close cooperation at European level and an integrated approach that combines monitoring, community engagement and targeted control solutions with respect for the environment are needed.
While mosquitoes of the genus Culex, carriers of the West Nile virus, are already widespread in Europe, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which can transmit the dengue and chikungunya viruses, is now established in 16 European countries — twice as many as 12 years ago.
Today's publication, in the journal Eurosurveillance, of an article entitled 'Strengthening mosquito control the management of emerging mosquito-borne diseases', signed by officials from the ECDC, the European Chemicals Authority (ECHA), the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), points to gaps in mosquito control capacity in Europe and calls for better coordination and an expansion of the toolbox in terms of control methods.
According to the data, in 2025, cases of chikungunya transmitted by the tiger mosquito increased significantly worldwide, with over 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases in 40 countries, while Europe recorded an unprecedented number of local cases, mainly in France (809) and Italy (384). Dengue fever is also showing an increasing trend in Europe, peaking in 2024, when 328 cases were recorded, mainly in Italy and France. As regards West Nile virus, which has been endemic in Europe since the 1960s, the EU recorded a historic high of 1,549 local cases in 2018, while in 2024 the virus reached its largest geographical spread to date, affecting 166 regions in 14 EU Member States.
At the same time, a new ECDC report on mosquito monitoring and control practices in Europe has been published, with Cyprus being included among the 26 countries that responded to the ECDC's questionnaire for the report.
The picture that emerges for the West Nile virus in particular is that of a system under formation, as according to the report, Cyprus is among the nine countries that did not have systematic surveillance of Culex mosquitoes, the genus that transmits the virus, during the period 2020-2025. However, Cyprus is the only Member State that has explicitly stated that it is currently in the process of developing this capacity. The remaining Member States that did not apply surveillance mainly cited a lack of resources or that they do not consider the virus to be a public health problem for humans and animals.
The picture differs in terms of aggressive Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of dengue fever and chikungunya, where Cyprus is mentioned among the countries that apply monitoring and control. Cyprus is even recorded as one of the few countries that has a legal framework with specific tools to facilitate mosquito control, such as the right to enter private property, tire storage regulations and import regulations related to aggressive types of tools that, according to the report, are missing from the majority of European countries.
Cyprus is also among only four countries (along with Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) to say that their budget adequately covers mosquito control needs, while nine of the 17 countries implementing Aedes control reported insufficient funding.
The ECDC underscores that effective mosquito control requires a comprehensive approach that combines mosquito and disease surveillance, larval outbreak management, community engagement, and targeted measures tailored to local conditions.
Insecticide resistance, environmental concerns, and a limited range of approved products are reportedly reinforcing the need for more nuanced control options and stronger evidence for their efficacy, safety, and environmental impact.
The Organization calls on citizens to contribute by removing or covering stagnant water around their homes, on balconies and gardens, while recommending the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and screens on windows. It also calls on health professionals to remain vigilant for possible local transmission or imported cases to prevent the further spread of viruses.
CNA
