Cyprus was the only one among nine member states that did not have systematic surveillance of Culex mosquitoes during the 2020–2025 period, the genus that transmits the West Nile virus, and which explicitly stated in an ECDC questionnaire that it is currently in the process of developing this capability.
As for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever and chikungunya, the ECDC report lists Cyprus among the countries that conduct surveillance and control measures. In fact, Cyprus is listed as one of the very few countries with a legal framework that includes specific tools to facilitate mosquito control, such as the right to enter private property, regulations on tire storage, and import regulations regarding invasive species—tools that, according to the report, are lacking in the majority of European countries. Cyprus is also among the mere four countries—along with Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands— that stated their budget adequately covers mosquito control needs, while nine of the 17 countries implementing Aedes control reported insufficient funding.
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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is calling on Europe to step up its preparedness and mosquito control efforts, on the occasion of World Mosquito Day, noting that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing across the continent.
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The ECDC’s announcement notes that the West Nile virus is spreading to new areas and that aggressive mosquito species are establishing themselves in more and more parts of Europe.
According to the ECDC’s most recent weekly data, six regions in Europe recorded local cases of WNV for the first time this year. As of August 13, 2026, 429 locally transmitted cases had been reported in nine European countries, with the Agency noting that, as transmission typically peaks in August and early September, more cases are expected. The ECDC notes that the spread of the West Nile virus, as well as the spread of aggressive mosquito species, demonstrate that Europe must strengthen its mosquito control capacity, while it is emphasized that close cooperation at the European level and a comprehensive approach combining surveillance, community engagement, and targeted, environmentally friendly control measures.
While mosquitoes of the genus Culex, which carry 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 titled “Strengthening mosquito control to manage emerging mosquito-borne diseases,” is co-authored by officials from the ECDC, the European Chemicals Agency (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), highlights gaps in Europe’s mosquito control capacity and calls for better coordination, as well as an expansion of the toolkit of control methods.
According to the data, by 2025, cases of chikungunya transmitted by the tiger mosquito increased significantly worldwide, with more than 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 on the rise in Europe, peaking in 2024, when 328 cases were reported, mainly in Italy and France. As for the West Nile virus, which has been endemic in Europe since the 1960s, the EU recorded a record high of 1,549 local cases in 2018, while in 2024 the virus reached its widest geographical spread to date, affecting 166 regions across 14 EU member states.
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At the same time, a new ECDC report was published on mosquito surveillance and control practices in Europe, with Cyprus among the 26 countries that responded to the ECDC’s questionnaire for the report.
The picture that emerges regarding the West Nile virus, specifically, is that of a system still under development, 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 2020–2025 period. However, Cyprus is the only Member State that explicitly stated that it is currently in the process of developing this capability. The remaining Member States that did not implement surveillance cited primarily a lack of resources or the fact that they do not consider the virus to be a public health problem for humans or animals.
The picture differs when it comes to the aggressive Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever and chikungunya; Cyprus is listed among the countries that conduct surveillance and control measures. In fact, Cyprus is listed as one of the very few countries with a legal framework that includes specific tools to facilitate mosquito control, such as the right to enter private property, regulations on tire storage, and import regulations regarding invasive species—measures that, according to the report, are lacking in the majority of European countries.
SEE ALSO: Two cases of Dengue Fever in Cyprus, one involving a healthcare professional
Cyprus is also among the mere four countries (along with Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) that reported their budgets adequately cover mosquito control needs, while nine of the 17 countries implementing Aedes control reported insufficient funding.
The ECDC emphasizes that effective mosquito control requires a comprehensive approach that combines mosquito and disease surveillance, larval site management, community engagement, and targeted measures tailored to local conditions.
Insecticide resistance, environmental concerns, and the limited range of approved products underscore, as noted, the need for more diversified control options and stronger evidence regarding their effectiveness, safety, and environmental impacts.
SEE ALSO: What Is the West Nile Virus and How Is It Spread?
The Organization calls on citizens to help by removing or covering standing water around their homes, on balconies, and in gardens, while recommending the use of insect repellents, protective clothing, and window screens. It also calls on healthcare professionals to remain vigilant for possible local transmission or imported cases, in order to prevent the further spread of the viruses.
Source: CNA
