Malaria cases in Europe are increasing due to infected mosquitoes being transported on planes and in luggage, sparking local infections of Odyssean malaria. A study in Eurosurveillance identified 145 cases in five years, with most in France. Prevention measures and surveillance are needed to address this growing threat. Factors contributing to the increase include changes in aircraft disinfection, favorable climate conditions, heightened public awareness, and changes in air traffic to endemic countries. Another study noted a significant increase in Odyssean malaria cases between 2010 and 2020, potentially due to climate change, international trade, decline in aircraft disinfection, and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Source link