# Present and Future of Mosquito-Borne Disease Control in Europe with a Specific Focus on the Mediterranean

## TL;DR

Mosquito-borne diseases in Europe are increasing due to climate change and invasive species, requiring new control strategies like genetic methods and better surveillance.

## Contribution

The paper reviews emerging strategies for mosquito-borne disease control in Mediterranean Europe, emphasizing integrated approaches combining surveillance, biotechnology, and community involvement.

## Key findings

- Invasive mosquito species and climate change are increasing the risk of tropical arboviral disease outbreaks in Europe.
- Traditional insecticide-based control is becoming less effective due to resistance and environmental concerns.
- Genetic control methods like Wolbachia and Sterile Insect Technique show promise but face regulatory and societal challenges.

## Abstract

Increasing human mobility and trade, together with land-use and climate changes, are reshaping the Eurasian landscape, making it increasingly suitable for the establishment of invasive vector species and vector-borne pathogens. These transformations are creating an epidemiological scenario that remains largely unpredictable. An additional major challenge is the growing resistance of these vectors to current insecticide control strategies. European countries will need to develop entomological and epidemiological surveillance strategies that are adapted to each region and demonstrate real effectiveness. Biological control approaches, innovative chemical formulations, and genetic strategies such as the sterile insect technique and the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are the new arising strategies. In this new context, integrating emerging technologies with active community participation will be essential to ensure the sustainability and long-term success of vector control policies.

Mosquito-borne diseases are an emerging public health challenge in Europe, driven by the spread of invasive mosquito species capable of sustaining outbreaks of tropical arboviral diseases. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, human-driven habitat changes, and prolonged transmission seasons have increased the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus outbreaks, among other vector-borne diseases. Effective control requires a multifaceted approach, combining traditional and novel methods with advanced surveillance technologies and community involvement. However, growing insecticide resistance and concerns about insecticide use highlight the need for more prudent management of current tools and the development of innovative alternatives. Genetic control strategies, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Wolbachia-based approaches, and genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes, offer promising solutions but still face scientific, regulatory, and societal challenges. This review explores the current landscape of mosquito-borne disease control in Mediterranean Europe, emphasizing key challenges and emerging solutions. An integrated approach that strengthens surveillance, promotes sustainable control methods, and incorporates novel biotechnological tools supported by smart technologies will be essential to reduce the future burden of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.