The threat of mosquito-borne arboviral disease in Spain: A bibliographic review

Over the last two decades there has been an increase in outbreaks of arboviral diseases, being Spain at high risk for disease emergence. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding the transmissibility, disease epidemiology, control strategies and mosquito-borne disease drivers and maintaining factors in Spain. There is risk of autochthonous cases and outbreaks in Spain due to recent transmission occurrence. Recently, there has been an expansion ofAedes Albopticus, a vector for Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya; and Cullex spp., vector for West Nile Virus, already endemic in Spain. Their establishment has been facilitated by climate and environmental drivers. If climate change projections are to be met, an increase in disease transmission is to be expected, as well as the re-establishment of other vectors such as Aedes Aegypti. Our review supports the need to understand the threat of these emerging diseases and implement preventive strategies in order to minimise their impact.(c) 2021 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In the past two decades, there has been an increase in outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in Spain. Recent evidence suggests that Spain is at risk of local cases and outbreaks of diseases, primarily due to the spread of vectors such as Aedes Albopticus, which transmit Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, and Cullex spp., which transmit West Nile Virus and are already endemic in Spain. The establishment of these vectors has been facilitated by climate and environmental factors. If climate change continues as projected, an increase in disease transmission and the potential re-emergence of other vectors such as Aedes Aegypti can be expected. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the threat of these emerging diseases and implement preventive strategies to minimize their impact.