Why Are Mosquitoes Swarming Europe? Shocking Health Risks You Must Know NOW!

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Hello from Nairobi.

This week’s news is heavy on drug trials and some groundbreaking scientific research—two subjects I approach cautiously. With scientists and research institutions often eager to hype early findings, it’s crucial to navigate this terrain carefully. Importantly, though, the absence of new outbreaks means we can focus on these advancements in global health.

My name is William Herkewitz, and I’m a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Welcome to the Global Health Checkup, where I highlight some of the week’s most pivotal stories on outbreaks, medicine, science, and survival from around the world.

As we say in Swahili: karibu katika habari—welcome to the news.

Emerging Threats in Europe: Mosquito-borne Diseases

We’re witnessing a shift in the landscape of mosquito-borne diseases, traditionally confined to warmer regions. A new study published in the journal Royal Society Interface reveals that diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are now poised to affect much of southern and central Europe. This is not just speculative; the shift has already begun.

For instance, chikungunya, which was practically unheard of in France, saw reported cases skyrocket from about 30 over the last decade to over 800 in just one year. According to Steven White, a scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, this alarming trend highlights that the virus can now incubate in the invasive Asian tiger mosquito at much lower temperatures than previously believed—specifically, between 13 to 14 degrees Celsius (approximately 55 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit).

This dramatically expands the regions susceptible to outbreaks, allowing infections to potentially occur for more than six months a year in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland face risks for three to five months annually.

The implications are significant. As winters become milder and summers stretch longer, the conditions conducive to these viruses are spreading, signaling that their northern reach, including North America, is likely inevitable. Flavia Riccardo, an independent researcher at the Italian National Institute of Health, confirms that while there’s a pressing concern about infected travelers sparking local outbreaks, the potential for these diseases to become established in Europe remains a topic of debate.

Interestingly, the growing impact of these diseases in wealthier nations could finally attract the sustained research funding and political urgency they desperately need.

Vaccine Ethics in Guinea-Bissau

Shifting gears, we turn to Guinea-Bissau, where a controversial U.S.-funded vaccine trial was recently terminated. The trial aimed to investigate the optimal timing for administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns. However, it drew swift condemnation from World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus and other health bodies, leading to its cancellation.

Guinea-Bissau’s foreign minister addressed the trial, stating, “It’s not going to happen, period.” Critics expressed concerns that the study could imply a link between vaccines and autism and highlighted ethical dilemmas associated with only half of the infants receiving the life-saving shot at birth.

Data shows that “90% of babies exposed to hepatitis B at birth or in their first year develop a chronic infection,” which can lead to serious health issues, including early death from liver failure or cancer. Although researchers initially proposed that half the infants would receive the vaccine at birth and the others at six weeks—when the vaccine is typically administered in the country's healthcare system—the ethical implications remain contentious.

Clinically Tested Psychedelics and Alzheimer’s Advances

In another area of health, Compass Pathways, a British pharmaceutical firm, is making strides with its synthetic psilocybin treatment, achieving significant milestones in late-stage trials for treatment-resistant depression. The firm plans to approach the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may seek approval as early as 2027, marking a potential first for psychedelic therapy in the United States.

However, it’s essential to approach this development with caution. As Erica Rex highlights in a recent STAT essay, the commercialization of psychedelics risks overshadowing the therapeutic and community aspects that are vital for the efficacy of such treatments.

Turning to Alzheimer’s research, a groundbreaking study in the journal Nature Medicine presents a promising method for early detection of the disease. Researchers are developing a “clock” to predict when symptoms will begin by using blood tests to track levels of the protein p-tau217, a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s onset. This technique could allow for symptom forecast within a margin of three to four years, crucial information as new drugs aimed at preventing or slowing the disease are in development.

Towards a Universal Vaccine

Finally, a paper in the journal Science introduced a novel approach to a “universal vaccine.” Scientists at Stanford University have designed a nasal spray vaccine that prompts a heightened immune response against various lung-infecting viruses, achieving a significant reduction in virus transmission in mouse studies. However, while the findings are promising, it's critical to note that this research has yet to undergo human trials, and only a fraction of drug candidates successfully make it to approval.

As we move forward, the road ahead in public health is filled with challenges and breakthroughs alike. Stay tuned for next week’s edition.

William Herkewitz is a reporter covering global public health for Healthbeat. He is based in Nairobi. Contact William at [email protected].