Old and new challenges related to vector and vector-borne diseases in Europe
- VAN BORTEL*
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Unit of Medical Entomology, Antwerp, Belgium
*e–mail: wvanbortel@itg.be
Vector-borne diseases are a specific group of infections that represent a (re-) emerging threat to Europe requiring particular attention. Their eco-epidemiology and control are challenging due to their complex transmission systems driven by the interaction between the pathogen, the hosts, the vector, the environmental and social context. Moreover vector-borne diseases tend to globalize by the increasing mobility and travel resulted in the fast and worldwide spread of vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Autochthonous transmission of vector-borne disease likely occurs in environments previously free of these diseases. This presentation will provide an overview of a number of important vectors and vector-borne diseases of specific concern for Europe.