Tiger mosquitoes' threatening presence rises in Europe

An invasive species of mosquito has set up home in 13 countries in the EU, including France, and Greece, with experts linking their presence to a rise in dengue fever in Europe.

The Asian Tiger mosquito, thought to be the most invasive species of mosquito in the world, is now spreading across Europe from its southern European base.

Tiger mosquitoes spread diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus which, until recently, were commonly present in parts of Africa, Asia, and America. Dengue cases have been rising across Europe, with some infections turning potentially severe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned on Tuesday.

‘‘International travel will further increase the risk of more European outbreaks,’’ the ECDC warned.’’ According to the ECDC, The mosquito has been established in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain.

It's been advised to remove water from gardens or balconies, where mosquitoes can breed, and use repellent as well as screens on windows and doors. During a press conference, Céline Grossner, a leading expert at the ECDC on mosquito-borne infections reported, “the conditions are in place for outbreaks this summer.”