Mosquito transmitted viral diseases : an update on Europe and the Mediterranean basin

Abstract

Mosquitoes are insects that have a particular importance in public health as they are vectors of major viral diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and West Nile fever and can constitute a nuisance to the population. Dengue and Chikungunya viruses are endemic in tropical countries and are transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. During recent years, the incidence of both Dengue and Chikungunya fever has risen worldwide. There is no vaccine available for either of them and prevention relies entirely on mosquito control and personal protection. besides the international concern over the rising wordwide incidence, there is a specific concern regarding the spread of both diseases within the European Union due to the presence in some of the Member States of the competent vector, Aedes albopictus