As climate change reshapes vector ecology and human mobility fuels global connectivity, understanding the transboundary risk of mosquito-borne diseases becomes increasingly urgent. A recent modelling study published in The Lancet Planetary Health by Poongavanan et al. highlights how Africa, a continent with large areas of vector suitability but limited surveillance capacity, is at substantial risk of dengue virus (DENV) introductions.

Despite the presence of competent vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and favorable environmental conditions, dengue remains underreported in Africa due to diagnostic gaps and clinical overlap with diseases like malaria and yellow fever. The study aims to identify African airports and regions at the highest risk of receiving viraemic travelers from dengue-endemic countries, integrating air travel data with climate-based transmission suitability.

To estimate the risk of dengue virus introduction into Africa, the authors combined high-resolution climate, demographic, and mobility datasets into a novel modelling framework. They focused on 2019 as a reference year, collecting air travel data from the International Air Transport Association that tracked passenger flows from 14 dengue-endemic countries in Asia and Latin America and 18 African countries that had reported outbreaks over the past decade. This dataset covered 197 commercial airports across the continent. To address the limitations of sparse and often unreliable case data, they used a climate-based “P index” to estimate transmission suitability—essentially the reproductive potential of an infected mosquito under local environmental conditions. They then enhanced this metric by integrating population density, creating a composite index that reflects both ecological and demographic drivers of local transmission potential.

Using these data, the team developed a “risk flow metric” that calculates the probability of dengue importation into each African airport by combining travel volume, transmission suitability at the point of origin, and temporal alignment with local conditions conducive to dengue spread. This approach allowed them not only to rank countries and cities by relative importation risk but also to assess whether these risks were likely to coincide with seasonal windows of heightened local transmission suitability.

Key Findings

Their results revealed that countries in eastern and southern Africa—such as Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, Egypt, and South Africa—were most exposed to dengue introductions from Asia, driven largely by travel volume and temporal synchrony with local climatic conditions. In contrast, countries in western Africa, including Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, faced a greater risk of introductions from within the continent itself, suggesting strong regional transmission dynamics. Interestingly, some of the countries with the highest estimated introduction risk, such as South Africa, had relatively low local transmission suitability, implying a low likelihood of outbreak despite frequent viral introductions. On the other hand, countries like Mauritius and Egypt exhibited both high introduction risk and seasonal windows of high suitability, marking them as potential hotspots for outbreak emergence.

Another key insight from the study was the importance of intra-African connectivity. Patterns of regional travel were found to contribute significantly to dengue risk in both western and eastern Africa, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and early detection efforts not only at international borders but also within the continent. Furthermore, the study emphasized the potential impact of climate change on dengue suitability in areas that are currently considered low-risk, such as the Ethiopian highlands, which may become more vulnerable as temperatures rise.

By combining travel data with climate and population metrics, this modelling approach offers a powerful, data-driven tool to guide dengue preparedness strategies in Africa and beyond, exemplifying how modelling approaches integrating climate, demography, and mobility data can enhance early warning systems. However, the authors also caution that several limitations must be considered. The analysis is based on relative risk estimates derived from ecological and statistical models, rather than direct counts of imported cases. Moreover, due to the lack of comprehensive genomic data and traveller screening records, the model’s predictions have yet to be empirically validated. In regions with more robust surveillance systems, travel histories of infected individuals could help refine such models, and the ongoing expansion of dengue virus genome sequencing may soon enable high-resolution reconstructions of transmission chains.

Additionally, the climate-based “P index” used to estimate transmission suitability does not incorporate vector abundance, mosquito control measures, or behavioral factors, all of which can modulate real-world transmission risk. The reliance on air travel data also underrepresents land-based and informal travel routes—especially between neighbouring countries—which are harder to quantify but may significantly contribute to viral spread. Finally, trade-related pathways, such as the movement of mosquitoes in goods like used tyres, remain outside the scope of this framework. Despite these constraints, the model represents a major step forward in forecasting dengue introduction risk and offers a scalable, adaptable approach for guiding future surveillance strategies—particularly in light of expanding dengue suitability zones under climate change.

Read the full open access here: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00272-9

Poongavanan, J., Lourenço, J., Tsui, J. L.-H., Colizza, V., Ramphal, Y., Baxter, C., Kraemer, M. U. G., Dunaiski, M., de Oliveira, T., & Tegally, H. 2024. Dengue virus importation risks in Africa: a modelling study. The Lancet Planetary Health, 8(12), E1043–E1054. 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00272-9 External Link

The E4Warning project participated in the GEO Global Forum 2025, held from May 5–9 at the Auditorium della Tecnica in Rome, joining over 60 Horizon Europe-funded projects in presenting cutting-edge Earth Observation (EO) solutions for sustainable development and global health security.

As part of the EU Booth, E4Warning presented its poster on EO-driven risk assessment for mosquito-borne diseases, highlighting how satellite data and environmental covariates are used to model the habitat suitability of key West Nile virus (WNV) vectors and avian reservoirs across Europe. Our contribution emphasized the importance of dynamic, seasonally resolved models to improve early warning systems for WNV and other vector-borne threats.

The event also marked the adoption of the GEO Post-2025 Strategy, reaffirming the role of EO in addressing climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and global health. Throughout the week, the EU Booth hosted a rich program of live talks, e-posters, expert meetups, and thematic sessions, making it a key hub for showcasing how EO can bridge science, policy, and impact.

The EuroGEO Secretariat published all presentations (PDF), as well as all e-posters, on their Web site: GEO Global Forum 2025 Marks Milestone in Earth Observation Collaboration. Especially the e-poster gallery EuroGEO – e-posters will be promoted on social media towards the next EuroGEO workshop that will be announced soon.

As arbovirus outbreaks continue to surge globally, a new study sheds light on the overlapping environmental risks for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever—all transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Among the contributing authors is Moritz Kramer, a researcher at the University of Oxford and a key member of the E4Warning project. The study is a result of international collaboration between leading institutions, including Oxford, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the University of Melbourne, the Boston Children’s Hospital, University of Washington University of Cambridge, Nagasaki University, niversity of Florida, the World Health Organization, and the Harvard Medical School.

 In this large-scale study, researchers compiled over 21,000 occurrence records and developed the most comprehensive global environmental suitability maps to date, using a joint ecological niche modelling approach. What makes this work stand out is its integration of multiple diseases, correcting for long-standing biases in surveillance data, and providing a common suitability framework for all four diseases.

 Key findings include:

• An estimated 5.66 billion people live in areas suitable for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya—around 73% of the global population.

• 1.54 billion people live in areas suitable for yellow fever transmission.

• The study reveals high overlap in suitable areas for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, indicating that any region reporting one of these diseases could be at risk of the others.

• Risk maps show new potential hotspots in areas like West and Central Africa, southern Europe, and parts of Asia, where surveillance is low or diseases are underreported.

• Models highlight that underreporting and limited diagnostic capacity in low-income countries may skew perceived disease distribution, underlining the importance of adjusting for surveillance capability in global risk mapping.

By using a two-stage modelling strategy—one for disease risk and one for surveillance capacity—the researchers produce more accurate and actionable risk assessments, offering a better foundation for targeted disease surveillance, early warning, and response systems.  The results emphasize the need for integrated arbovirus monitoring and the value of cross-disease models in a world of expanding ecological and climate pressures.

Read the full open access here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58609-5

Lim, A., Shearer, F. M., Sewalk, K., Pigott, D. M., Clarke, J., Ghouse, A., Judge, C., Kang, H., Messina, J. P., Kraemer, M. U. G., Gaythorpe, K. A. M., de Souza, W. M., Nsoesie, E. O., Celone, M., Faria, N., Ryan, S. J., Rabe, I. B., Rojas, D. P., Hay, S. I., Brownstein, J. S., Golding, N., & Brady, O. J. 2025. The overlapping global distribution of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Nature Communications, 16, 3418. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58609-5

And in the E4Warning Zenodo repository: https://zenodo.org/records/15223772

A new study, part of the E4Warning and IDAlert projects, has provided a comprehensive snapshot of mosquito biodiversity across the Attica region in Greece—home to half the country’s population. Conducted by the Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI) and the University of West Attica in Athens, the survey spans two years (2021–2022) and highlights the presence, spread, and diversity of medically important mosquito species, including invasive ones like Aedes albopictus.

Key Findings:

• The three most widespread species were Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens s.l., and Culiseta longiareolata, found in 100% of traps.

• A total of 23 mosquito species were detected, with some reappearing after years of absence.

• East Attica had the highest species diversity; South Athens and the islands the lowest.

• Molecular tools complemented traditional identification, confirming difficult or damaged specimens.

The study highlights the dynamic nature of mosquito populations in urbanized regions like Attica, where invasive species such as Aedes albopictus now coexist with native vectors like Culex pipiens s.l. The detection of medically important species, including Culex perexiguus and Aedes caspius, not commonly reported in past surveys, underscores changing vector dynamics and potential public health risks.

Molecular tools proved essential for identifying species when morphological traits were insufficient, reinforcing the value of combining traditional and modern surveillance methods. Continuous, localized monitoring is key for early detection of new threats—especially in the face of climate change and urban expansion—and provides critical data to support proactive, targeted mosquito control strategies.

Trap Positivity Rate (%) by Mosquito Species (2021–2022)

Read the full-open access here: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040406

Bisia, M., Balatsos, G., Sakellariou Sofianou, M., Beleri, S., Tegos, N., Zavitsanou, E., Karras, V., Kollia, D., Michaelakis, A., & Patsoula, E. (2025). Two-Year Entomological Survey of Mosquito Fauna in the Attica Region, Greece: Species Composition. Insects, 16 (4), 406. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040406

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe calls for urgent, proactive action to address Europe’s growing threat of vector-borne diseases (VBDs)—highlighting lessons learned from endemic regions worldwide. The research, led by the Global Health Resilience group at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), brings together experts from 13 countries across four continents. Several E4Warning partners contributed to the study, reinforcing the project’s commitment to cross-sectoral and international collaboration.

The paper addresses the growing risks posed by climate change, urbanisation, and invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, which are extending transmission seasons and raising the likelihood of disease outbreaks including West Nile virus, dengue, leishmaniasis, and tick-borne encephalitis. In response to these escalating threats, the study emphasizes that Europe must move from reactive responses to proactive, forward-looking strategies. This shift must be grounded in cross-border collaboration, long-term planning, and the integration of local knowledge into health policies. Community-level awareness and engagement are key to ensuring that control measures are both effective and socially accepted.

Citizen science, especially in digitally connected regions, can enhance surveillance and public participation, though it requires overcoming barriers to innovation and data sharing. The study also promotes community-based interventions (CBIs), drawing on successful examples like Brazil’s “Boot Out” campaign, which combined public awareness with practical waste removal efforts. Adapting interventions across Europe requires attention to cultural, legal, and ecological differences, and the authors stress the need to expand asymptomatic and serological surveillance to improve preparedness and early response capacity.

To meet these goals, the authors propose a multi-sectoral “Intervention Toolkit” tailored to European realities, drawing on experiences from countries with long-standing expertise in managing VBDs.

The toolkit includes five key pillars:

1. Clinical case and risk management

2. Integrated vector surveillance and control

3. Adapting the built and natural environment to reduce vector habitats

4. Data harmonisation and development of decision support tools

5. Community engagement, including citizen science platforms

“We propose here five key areas where Europe could and is integrating knowledge from endemic settings on vector and disease control, and advocate for the importance of cross-country knowledge sharing partnerships and integration at the public and policy level,” said Gina Charnley, BSC researcher and first author of the study.

By combining inclusive governance and transdisciplinary knowledge-sharing, the study outlines a clear pathway toward more resilient and equitable public health systems in Europe and beyond. Yet, limited resources and shifting priorities across sectors often hinder implementation, however, moving forward, long-term cross-border collaboration, data harmonisation, and meaningful integration of local and indigenous knowledge will be critical to turning these strategies into lasting, impactful solutions.

Read the full-open access here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101271.

Charnley, G. E. C., Alcayna, T., Almuedo-Riera, A., Antoniou, C., Badolo, A., Bartumeus, F., Boodram, L.-L., Bueno-Marí, R., Codeço, C., Coelho, F. C., Costa, F., Cox, H., Haddad, N., Ab Hamid, N., Kittayapong, P., Korukluoğlu, G., Michaelakis, A., Maciel-de-Freitas, R., Montalvo, T., Muñoz, J., Sauleda Oliveras, S., Palmer, J. R. B., Barboza Pizard, C. J., Ribeiro, G. S., & Lowe, R. (2025). Strengthening resilience to emerging vector-borne diseases in Europe: Lessons learnt from countries facing endemic transmission. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 53, 101271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101271.

A recent study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, sheds light on the short-term effects of temperature and precipitation on the incidence of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) in Europe. Conducted by researchers from the E4Warning partners from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and international collaborators, the study utilized a nine-year dataset (2014–2022) to analyze 3,437 WNND cases across 20 European countries.

To estimate the association between lagged meteorological variables and WNND cases, the study employed a space-time-stratified case-crossover design. This design treats each case as its control, comparing exposures during the “hazard period” (the weeks before symptom onset) to exposures in comparable “reference periods.” Cases and controls were matched within the same region, calendar month, and year, as well as by the day of the week, enabling precise control of confounding factors such as geography, long-term trends, and seasonality.

For each case, weekly mean temperature and cumulative precipitation were attributed to the 8 weeks preceding the symptom onset day and matched control days. For instance, if a case occurred on May 17, 2019, in a given region, control days were selected from other Fridays in the same month and year. This method allowed researchers to infer associations between meteorological conditions and WNND incidence.

Meteorological data were obtained from the ERA5-Land climate reanalysis database, produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Researchers retrieved gridded daily mean temperature and daily cumulative precipitation data for the European continent over the entire study period (2014–2022). ERA5-Land provides atmospheric and land-surface variables with a spatial resolution of approximately 9 km × 9 km. To align with epidemiological data, daily meteorological data were spatially averaged at the NUTS3 level.

Key Findings:

• Temperature and Precipitation as Drivers: Weekly mean temperatures exceeding 25°C (the 90th percentile) were associated with 36.4% of WNND cases, with the strongest effect observed two weeks before symptom onset. Similarly, weekly cumulative precipitation above 40 mm contributed to 13.1% of cases, with a delayed peak effect three weeks before symptom onset.
• Regional Variation: The study highlighted consistent effects of temperature across regions but noted moderate variability in precipitation’s impact, reflecting differences in local ecosystems and mosquito ecology.
• Implications for Early Warning Systems: The findings underline the potential of integrating meteorological data into early warning systems. These systems could enhance preparedness for WNV outbreaks, particularly in areas lacking robust vector and host surveillance infrastructure.

Broader Implications:

This study reinforces the link between climate variability and the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach to address the complex interactions between climate, ecosystems, and human health. The results provide actionable insights for tailoring early warning systems and vector control strategies to mitigate the growing burden of WNV outbreaks in Europe.

For more details, check out the paper: Moirano, G., Fletcher, C., Semenza, J. C., & Lowe, R. (2025). Short-term effect of temperature and precipitation on the incidence of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease in Europe: a multi-country case-crossover analysis. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 48, 101149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101149

And in the E4Warning Zenodo repository: https://zenodo.org/records/14383572

In December 2024, Elisa Mora and Alex Richter-Boix (CEAB-CSIC), members of the E4Warning consortium, participated as invited speakers at the EMCA workshop “Dialogue with Wings: Communicating Mosquito Science Effectively”, held at the SUPSI Campus in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The event brought together experts and practitioners from 14 countries to explore innovative ways to communicate mosquito science and mosquito-borne diseases.

Elisa and Alex shared their experiences with the citizen science initiative Mosquito Alert, emphasizing how it has effectively communicated complex topics like mosquito ecology and vector-borne diseases to the public and stakeholders. Elisa Mora also participated in a plenary roundtable moderated by David T. Dyjack (National Environmental Health Association) and joined by Ljubica Latinovic (World Health Organization), Andrea Delucchi (Institute of Design SUPSI), and journalist Julian Michaels (Radiotelevisione Svizzera).

During the second day, they led one of the hands-on workshops focused on communication strategies. The session was part of a broader program attended by 77 participants, which explored six key themes over three days:

• Risk Communication
• Visual Communication
• Community Engagement
• Stakeholder Communication
• Media Relations
• Funding for Communication

Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, participants gained practical tools to adapt their messaging to diverse audiences, foster partnerships, and counter misinformation.

Exploring Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) Communication

The workshop concluded with an EMCA side-event dedicated to communication strategies for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a groundbreaking method to control Aedes mosquito populations by releasing sterilized insects. Case studies highlighted SIT initiatives in regions such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, French Polynesia, La Réunion, Tunisia, Florida (USA), and parts of Africa. Charles m’Bogo (PAMCA) shared insights from the African context.

Discussions focused on the challenges of engaging stakeholders and citizens in SIT programs and the difficulties encountered in communicating these innovative technologies. The participants explored the possibility of collaborating on a unified document of best practices for SIT communication, paving the way for more effective and globally consistent outreach efforts.

The workshop not only strengthened the knowledge and tools available for mosquito-related communication but also reinforced the importance of collaboration across sectors and countries in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

Find all the details of the agenda here: https://www.emca-online.eu/assets/PDFs/2024_Switzerland/2024_TDR_SIT_FINAL_AGENDA.pdf

As members of the E4Warning consortium, Gina Tsarouchi, Quillon Harpham (HR Wallingford), Lyra Tyson (UPF), and Remy Hoek Spaans (BSC) traveled to Sri Lanka in November to participate in a workshop organized by Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku and Gina Tsarouchi. The event, in collaboration with the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and the Ministry of Health, focused on enhancing innovative tools for dengue prediction and control.

The workshop aimed to train participants in using the D-MOSS platform, a live dengue forecasting system combining satellite earth observation data, climate models, and statistical tools to provide probabilistic forecasts of dengue outbreaks. It also served as a valuable opportunity to adapt the methods to Sri Lanka’s unique public health context, informed by input from local professionals.

Bringing Together Experts from Across Sri Lanka

The workshop attracted over 80 participants from districts across the country, including entomologists, regional epidemiologists, medical officers of health, academics, NGOs, and representatives from the NDCU. This diverse group ensured that the discussions were enriched with practical insights and multidisciplinary expertise.

Dr. Preshila Samaraweera kicked off the workshop with an informative presentation on Sri Lanka’s progress in dengue control, highlighting current research projects and interventions. This set the stage for the D-MOSS training sessions, where participants had hands-on opportunities to test the system and provide feedback.

Training, Feedback, and Collaboration

The D-MOSS platform was well-received, with participants exploring its ability to visualize past, current, and forecasted dengue trends. One participant noted:

“These elements collectively offer a comprehensive view of past, present, and predicted dengue trends, supporting proactive planning and response.”

Following a lunch break, attendees learned about the statistical modeling methods used in E4Warning, with a focus on interpreting probabilistic forecasts. A group discussion then explored ways to enhance the dengue early warning system, including the integration of new data sources such as mobility patterns and socio-economic data. The day concluded with a presentation on the Mosquito Alert platform, sparking a lively conversation about how citizen science could contribute to vector control in Sri Lanka.

Lessons Learned and Next Steps

Reflecting on two intensive days of learning, several valuable lessons emerged from the experience. As highlighted during the workshop discussions, effective dengue control—particularly larval source management—requires a multi-sectoral approach. For example, Aedes mosquitoes often breed in artificial containers that fall under the responsibility of different sectors, such as road maintenance crews for potholes or port authorities for harbor areas.

Another critical area for improvement is the integration of entomological data into a digital infrastructure. Currently, much of this data is collected on paper, limiting its accessibility and use for coordinated control efforts. Digitizing these records would enhance monitoring, analysis, and intervention strategies.

Additionally, dengue prediction models could be further refined by incorporating mobility patterns and socio-economic census data, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how the disease spreads and where interventions could be most effective.

By continuously enhancing the digital tools developed through the E4Warning project, we aim to support the Sri Lankan National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) in achieving its ambitious goals for dengue control and prevention.

A recent study, published in Insects with E4Warning participation, explores the residual longevity of sterile male mosquitoes and its significance for understanding their field performance in Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs: an eco-friendly vector control method where sterile male mosquitoes are released to mate with wild females, reducing mosquito populations over time.

The study aimed to assess the longevity and quality of sterile and non-sterile male Aedes albopictus mosquitoes by using the “mark-release-recapture” (MRR) method. The findings revealed several important insights:

1. Sterile Males’ Longevity: Contrary to expectations, the study found that sterile male mosquitoes had a longer lifespan than their non-sterile counterparts when released into the wild. This extended longevity is a significant advantage for SIT programs, as it increases the likelihood of sterile males mating with wild females, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of population suppression efforts.

2. Effect of Wild Exposure: Sterile males that had been released into the wild lived longer when recaptured and monitored in a laboratory setting. This suggests that exposure to the wild, including factors like fluctuating environmental conditions and access to richer food sources, may improve the performance of sterile males.

3. No Negative Effect of Marking or Sterilization: The process of marking the mosquitoes with fluorescent dyes (following IAEA protocols) and sterilization via gamma radiation did not negatively affect their longevity. This supports the continued use of these practices in SIT programs.

4. Transport and Mass Rearing: Males reared and transported from large-scale production facilities exhibited slightly shorter lifespans compared to those reared locally under small-scale conditions. This suggests that optimizing transportation and rearing conditions can further improve the performance of sterile mosquitoes in the field.

Understanding the longevity and quality of sterile mosquitoes is crucial for optimizing SIT programs, particularly in areas where mosquito populations pose a significant public health threat. The study underscores the importance of refining rearing, sterilization, and transportation techniques to maximize the success of SIT in controlling vector populations and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

This research advances our understanding of how sterile males perform in the field, providing valuable insights that can be applied to ongoing and future SIT initiatives and vector dispersal capacity estimation within the E4Warning project.

The study was a collaborative effort involving several institutions and experts across Europe. Key contributors included researchers from the following institutions: Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI) in Greece, Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), CREAF, and ICREA in Spain, Centro Agricoltura Ambiente “G. Nicoli” in Crevalcore, Italy, Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research Doutor Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI) at the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) in Palmela, Portugal, and the Faculty of Medicine, Environmental Health Institute (ISAMB) at the University of Lisbon, and ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, based in La Réunion, France.

Link to the paper: Balatsos, G., Blanco-Sierra, L., Karras, V., Puggioli, A., Costa Osório, H., Bellini, R., Papachristos, D.P., Bouyer, J., Bartumeus, F., Papadopoulos, N.T., & Michaelakis, A. 2024. Residual Longevity of Recaptured Sterile Mosquitoes as a Tool to Understand Field Performance and Reveal Quality. Insects 15, no. 11: 826. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110826

You can find other scientific papers produced by E4Warning in our “Publication website”: https://www.e4warning.eu/outputs/publications/

Our partner and WP leader, Rachel Lowe, ICREA Research Professor and Global Health Resilience (GHR) Group Leader at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), was recently interviewed by HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority) and featured on their website: https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/hera/items/852413/en

HERA is an EU body established to strengthen Europe’s ability to anticipate and respond to health emergencies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to ensure the provision of critical medical countermeasures and enhance Europe’s readiness for future health threats.

In the interview, Rachel Lowe discusses the intricate connections between climate change and the outbreaks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, exploring why these outbreaks are increasing and spreading to new regions, particularly in Europe. She also explains how shifting climate patterns could influence emergency preparedness and response strategies, highlighting the need for proactive, integrated approaches. She shared insights into specific climate-sensitive diseases that pose a potential threat to the EU, including dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus, and discussed ongoing efforts like the development of the EpiOutlook platform within the IDAlert project, which is part of the European Climate-Health Cluster. This platform aims to provide early warnings of climatic suitability for various infectious diseases in Europe. They also track the impact of climate change on these diseases in the Lancet Countdown in Europe collaboration.

As part of E4Warning, Professor Lowe also elaborated on her work in developing decision support tools like the D-MOSS (Dengue forecasting Model Satellite-based System) for dengue in endemic regions in collaboration with HR-Wallingford, as well the efforts on integrating different data sources such as citizen science initiatives like Mosquito Alert, which could enhance the monitoring and management of disease vectors across Europe, providing critical support for future public health interventions.

For more details, read the full interview on the HERA website and gain valuable insights into how E4Warning and its partners are addressing the growing challenges posed by climate-sensitive diseases in Europe.