Rome, 20th July 2026 – Europe must change its approach. Dengue can no longer be considered only a tropical disease or one linked to international travel: the repeated outbreaks recorded in recent years show that local transmission of the virus, carried by the common tiger mosquito, is now a reality on the European continent too.
This is the message delivered by Giuseppe Ippolito, lecturer in Infectious Diseases at UniCamillus University, who served for more than 20 years as Scientific Director of the ‘Lazzaro Spallanzani’ National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome and for 12 years as Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Highly Contagious Diseases. Ippolito, together with Sir Alimuddin Zumla from University College London, is the co-author of the commentary ‘Preparing Europe for the re-emergence of autochthonous dengue transmission: public health implications and preparedness priorities’, published in the prestigious scientific journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
The article issues a strong appeal to European health authorities to ensure that the fight against dengue becomes a permanent public health priority.
Key figures: dengue fever in Europe
- Italy: 213 cases contracted directly within the country in 2024 (a record for mainland Europe, with a major outbreak in Fano and cases in Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany and Abruzzo) compared with 82 cases in 2023.
- France: 83 locally acquired cases in 2024, compared with 45 in 2023.
- Spain: new confirmed cases in Catalonia in 2024, compared with just 3 cases in 2023.
Why has the risk increased?
Dengue, also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to the intense muscle and joint pain it causes, is one of the main vector-borne diseases. In recent decades, along with other arboviruses, it has seen an increase in prevalence due to rapid urbanisation, environmental changes and climate change.
In Italy, both indigenous arboviruses—such as West Nile virus, the Tuscan encephalitis virus and tick-borne encephalitis—and imported viruses—such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika—are circulating; the latter are mainly contracted while travelling to tropical and subtropical areas.
The spread of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is now firmly established in Italy and across much of southern and central Europe, combined with rising temperatures and increasing international travel, has facilitated local transmission of the virus.
The critical issues facing the European system
The Comment identifies the main structural weaknesses that currently leave the European continent vulnerable:
- Data fragmentation. Healthcare systems struggle to cross-reference weather and climate data with mosquito presence in the area in real time.
- Diagnostic delays. Dengue fever is often not recognised immediately by GPs because it is still considered a ‘rare or exotic disease’.
- Inadequate vector monitoring. There is a lack of standardised and comprehensive monitoring of mosquito populations in urban areas.
Beyond emergency management: future challenges
The authors emphasise that simply controlling active outbreaks is no longer sufficient: forecasting systems are needed that combine climatic, epidemiological and entomological data to anticipate the risk of an epidemic before the summer season.
This need is even more evident given the simultaneous presence of other arboviruses in Italy. In addition to dengue, there is growing concern about the West Nile virus, transmitted by the common mosquito (Culex pipiens). Italy is among the European countries most affected: the Veneto region has historically recorded many cases, whilst in Lazio, the first locally acquired case in Latina in July 2026 triggered enhanced monitoring and preventive measures.
The research highlights a number of challenges that still need to be addressed:
- understanding the role of asymptomatic cases in transmission;
- •identifying the climatic conditions that favour outbreaks;
- controlling the spread of the various dengue serotypes;
- evaluating new vaccines and biological strategies, such as the use of mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacterium.
“Dengue and West Nile virus are important indicators of the effects of climate change on infectious diseases. Investing in prevention today helps ensure that European healthcare systems are better prepared to face future challenges”, says Ippolito.
What can individuals do to tackle dengue fever?
In addition to surveillance, collaboration between institutions, experts and the public is essential: over 80% of mosquito breeding sites are found on private property. Prevention therefore starts with everyday behaviour. Ippolito sets out ten simple rules:
- Remove any standing water from plant pots, buckets and outdoor containers;
- Change the water in pets’ bowls frequently and wipe the rims to remove any eggs;
- Cover water containers with lids or mosquito nets;
- Treat drains and manholes with larvicides during the months of highest risk;
- Keep gutters and drains clean to prevent water from accumulating;
- Remove objects that collect water, such as tyres or tarpaulins left outdoors;
- Use certified repellents, following the instructions for use;
- Protect your clothing where necessary, as the tiger mosquito can bite through lightweight fabrics;
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors;
- Install mosquito nets and use fans or air conditioning to reduce the number of mosquitoes indoors.