Diseases spread by insects in travellers returning from Europe
02 Aug 2024
The summer holiday season is well underway, with travellers heading abroad to various destination including Europe. Approximately 15 million visitors from around the world are expected to attend the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France and Tahiti (26 July to 11 August) and the Paralympic Games (28 August to 8 September).
In June 2024, The ECDC highlighted the increasing spread of mosquito-borne diseases in EU/EEA countries . Climate change has resulted in larger geographic areas which are favourable to breeding populations of mosquitoes and ticks. Diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes are most frequently diagnosed in the summer months.
- Locally-acquired cases of infections spread by mosquitoes, including dengue fever, West Nile fever, chikungunya fever and zika virus infection have been reported in Europe over the last decade.
- Tick-borne diseases such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and tick-borne encephalitis have also increased across Europe.
For information on country-specific outbreaks, see the news alerts section.
Advice for Travellers
Review the advice on staying healthy if travelling abroad this summer 2024
Be aware that diseases spread by biting insects, including ticks and mosquitoes are a risk, including in certain parts of Europe. The risk may be higher in the summer months, and if you are planning on visiting rural areas including parks and woodlands.
- Know what precautions you need to take to protect yourself against insect and tick bites both day and night.
- Be aware how to treat insect bites and how to safely remove ticks.
After Travel
If you or your family become unwell in the weeks/months after travel, particularly with a high fever, flu-like symptoms, rash and/or diarrhoea, you should seek urgent medical advice. Make sure you always mention your recent travel history to the health professional.
Further information
- ECDC: Joint public health advice for travellers attending the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games