Could malaria return to Western Europe?

Malaria was once endemic in parts of Europe, but has been eradicated from most areas since the second half of the 20th century thanks to large-scale public health interventions. But malaria could theoretically return to Western Europe due to a number of changing circumstances.

Climate change may lead to warmer temperatures and longer summer seasons in parts of Europe, which could create more favourable conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit malaria (Anopheles mosquitoes). This could expand the potential range of these mosquitoes.

With increased international travel and migration from malaria-carrying areas (such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America), malaria could be “imported” into Europe. This means that infected individuals could bring malaria with them, increasing the likelihood of local transmission if conditions are right.

Anopheles mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria, are present in some parts of Europe, but they are generally not numerous enough, and conditions are usually not suitable for large-scale transmission. Europe is also reducing the use of insecticides, which could potentially increase the likelihood of malaria returning.

Fortunately, Europe has a well-developed health infrastructure that is able to diagnose and treat malaria quickly, which would limit further spread. There are strong surveillance and monitoring systems in Europe to detect and control emerging infectious diseases such as malaria.

Source: https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-report-2020

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024