Cross-sectional entomological data reveals an increased risk of arboviral transmission in a year of record-breaking heat in Southern Europe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2023, an unprecedentedly high number of locally acquired cases of dengue virus occurred in Europe, including the first large outbreak in Rome (Italy). Globally, 2023 was warmer than any previous year on record since 1850, with each month from June to December being warmer than the corresponding month in previous years.

Methods

We conducted an extensive analysis of entomological data in Rome to investigate how the unprecedentedly high temperatures seen in 2023 affected the abundance and seasonal dynamics of the local vector Aedes albopictus population and the risk of autochthonous transmission of both dengue and chikungunya viruses. We applied a mathematical dynamic temperature-based model to analyse adult mosquito collections in 2023 compared to those available

SUBMITTER: Virgillito C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12287341 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature