This summer, soaring airfares and frequent disruptions are prompting some travellers to rethink their holiday plans. For many, that means looking closer to home or at least swapping long-haul destinations for shorter vacations across Europe.
This has its advantages: little jet lag, no overnight flights and fewer health risks associated with tropical destinations. But one European holiday nuisance is becoming harder to avoid – the dreaded mosquito.
Ecologists now warn that mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing concern in Europe.
According to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), invasive Aedes mosquitoes continue to expand their footprint across the continent. Among them is the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), the species that is causing local outbreaks of the viral infection chikungunya in Europe.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
While new research from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) suggests chikungunya may be able to spread in conditions cooler than previously thought. Researchers found transmission could occur at temperatures as low as 13°C, challenging assumptions that the risk of disease is confined to hot climates. The disease is rarely fatal but can cause long-term chronic joint pain.
Which countries are seeing the most notable spread and why?
Even though the risk in the UK remains negligible, the picture is changing elsewhere in Europe. The mosquito has now been detected in more northerly countries. For instance, France and Italy recorded a record number of locally acquired chikungunya outbreaks in 2025.
Dr Steven White, a theoretical ecologist at UKCEH, explains, “The latest map from the ECDC shows that the tiger mosquito continues to spread throughout Europe, and has been detected in more northerly countries. Where the mosquito has established there is a risk of local outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue. There were record numbers of local outbreaks of chikungunya in France and Italy – which are very popular with UK holidaymakers – in 2025.
“The tiger mosquito has spread throughout much of Europe. Our earliest records show that the mosquito was first detected in Albania and latterly Italy. However, more recently, the mosquito has reached more northerly and cooler countries.
Climate change means that this was not unexpected. Warmer temperatures create more suitable conditions for populations to thrive in new areas and also increase the rate at which viruses replicate in an insect’s body, thereby increasing the risk of transmission.”
“The tiger mosquito, which is responsible for European outbreaks of chikungunya, has been detected in the UK but it has yet to establish. Therefore, there is a negligible risk of becoming infected in the UK,” says Dr Steven White, a theoretical ecologist at UKCEH.
What is the real level of risk for European getaways?
Dr White says there is no reason to cancel your summer holiday just yet.
“There remains a low chance of becoming infected by a tropical disease while on holiday in Europe and people should not be alarmed but be mindful of protecting themselves from mosquito bites. Dengue and chikungunya are not currently endemic in Europe due to the temperate weather reducing mosquito biting activity in the cool winter conditions.
To date, outbreaks have been sporadic with a relatively low number of cases compared to tropical countries. European outbreaks are typically started by infected travellers returning from endemic topical regions. The European outbreaks are confined to the summer and early autumn months. Public health surveillance and control is maintained throughout much of Europe to mitigate the risks of outbreaks.”
What can you do to protect yourself against mosquitoes?
Dr White explains, “The tiger mosquito can be an aggressive daytime biter. However, they prefer to bite just after sunrise and just before sunset.”
Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, also says that with preparation travellers can safely travel to their European destination of choice:
“Mosquito repellent is a must-have travel product this summer, particularly during times when mosquito activity is typically higher. Travellers should check for a DEET-based (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) repellent and apply it even more regularly than you’d think – especially when wearing shorts, skirts or other clothing that leaves skin exposed.
Where practical, opting for longer sleeves, trousers, socks and closed-toe shoes can provide an additional layer of protection. However, it’s also important to ensure these are breathable and light material, to avoid a risk of dehydration and even heatstroke.
Finally, having travel insurance provides that extra layer of valuable protection should the worst happen with mosquito-borne diseases and you need emergency medical treatment or repatriation. This is one point that I cannot stress enough for that peace of mind when travelling with your family or friends.
However, be aware that cover can vary between policies, and claims may be affected if recommended vaccinations or medical advice have not been followed.”
What are the symptoms of contracting a mosquito-borne disease?
Dr John Akinjolire, a medical expert at PayingTooMuch, advises that being aware of the symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases is another step in the right direction:
“Dengue has been identified in several European countries, including Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. So, people should look out for symptoms including fever, headaches and severe joint pain, especially if they become unwell during or shortly after a trip.
While most people recover fully, the symptoms can be unpleasant and, in some cases, joint pain may persist for a longer time. Travellers who are elderly, have weakened immune systems or are travelling with young children should take extra care, as these groups can be more vulnerable to complications.
If symptoms develop during or after travel, particularly a high fever alongside joint pain or a rash, medical attention should be sought promptly rather than waiting to see if symptoms resolve on their own.”
New experiences and destinations can be one of the most memorable parts of your year but it’s all about enjoying them the right way. Some simple precautions and a bit of research are all it takes to stay safe this euro summer.
Photo by icon0 com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-mosquito-on-person-s-skin-169357/
