A tiger mosquito. frank29052515 – stock.adobe.comDECRYPTION – Insects, mammals, migratory birds… All can carry pathogens that pose risks to human and animal health. Rises in temperature modify their life cycles and their geographical distribution. Mosquitoes transmitting dengue fever in mainland France, perhaps soon Zika or chikungunya. Crimean-Congo fever in Spain and the tick that carries the virus now present in the south of France. A subtropical electric ant annoying the inhabitants of a residence in Toulon… These critters that we thought were the sad privilege of distant tropics are settling in Europe. And the summer we have just spent serves as a warning: as of October 16, Public Health France reported 65 indigenous cases of dengue identified in mainland France, compared to 14 in 2020… “Obviously, this is derisory compared to dengue epidemics thousands of cases that have been raging for years in the West Indies, Reunion and Guyana. But this shows us that the future will be made with these diseases in mainland France and in Europe”, explains Dr Marie-Claire Paty, coordinator of the surveillance of diseases transmitted by vectors at Public Health France. In any case, the culprits are look alike… This article is for subscribers only. You have 79% left to discover. Pushing back the limits of science is also freedom. Continue reading your article for €0.99 for the first month Already a subscriber? Login