Health

Mohammed Masud Parvage et al.
Parasites Vectors 18, 436 (2025)

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe, often fatal zoonotic disease caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). It is primarily transmitted by Hyalomma ticks, which serve as both reservoir and vector. While these ticks are endemic to Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, recent detections in previously unaffected European regions raise concerns about the potential spread of the disease. This study aims to systematically review the first detections of Hyalomma ticks, CCHFV, and CCHF disease in Europe. The goal is to support surveillance strategies and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07104-3

Giulio Grandi et al.
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 63 (2025)

Illegal importation of animals as pets might be followed by the introduction of exotic tick species, potential vectors of pathogens that can have an impact on wildlife and/or domestic animals and on humans. Therefore, permanent measures of surveillance and control on imported reptiles are emphasized. In February 2024, black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) (n = 31) were illegally imported into Sweden from Thailand. The turtles were sent by the Swedish Customs Criminal Department West in Gothenburg to a public aquarium and terrarium (Tropicarium, Kolmården, Östergötland county) to be kept in quarantine. At the Tropicarium the turtles were found to be infested by ticks.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101304

Anna Omazic et al.
Sci Rep 15, 24942 (2025)

Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis significantly impact public health in Europe, transmitted primarily by endemic tick species. The recent introduction of exotic tick species into northern Europe via migratory birds, imported animals, and travelers highlights the urgent need for rapid detection and accurate species identification. To address this, the Swedish Veterinary Agency launched a citizen science initiative, resulting in the submission of over 15,000 tick images spanning seven species.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10265-x

Alcayna, Tilly et al.
The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 0, Issue 0, 101291

Infectious diseases pose a substantial threat to public health, affecting billions and straining health-care systems worldwide. There is growing concern over how anthropogenic climate change might aggravate the global burden of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. In this Personal View, we propose a framework for understanding what makes an infectious disease climate-sensitive.

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.101291

Farooq, Zia et al. – The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 9, Issue 5, e374 – e383

The rapid spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) poses a notable public health threat in Europe due to its ability to transmit tropical diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. This study aims to quantify the underlying drivers facilitating and accelerating Europe’s transition from sporadic arbovirus outbreaks to Aedes-borne disease endemicity, focusing on dengue and chikungunya outbreaks.

DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(25)00059-2

Batista, Martín Lotto et al.
eBioMedicine, Volume 115, 105701

This study used spatiotemporal Bayesian modeling to analyze the impact of climate and environmental factors on Lyme borreliosis (LB) dynamics in Germany. The research found that precipitation, temperature, green spaces, and forest cover positively influenced LB incidence, while human population density had a negative impact. The study also identified increasing trends in LB risk, particularly in northern regions, and highlighted the role of climate in shaping LB distribution and transmission.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105701

Petra Klepac, et al.
Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 118, Issue 9, September 2024, Pages 561–579

A comprehensive review of studies published from January 2010 to October 2023 found that the effects of climate change on malaria and 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly variable, evolving over time, and difficult to predict globally. Of 511 eligible papers, malaria, dengue, and chikungunya were most frequently studied, while other NTDs were relatively neglected. Only a minority of studies addressed mitigation (34%) or adaptation (5%) strategies, and research was disproportionately focused on countries with lower disease burden and higher healthcare quality, leaving major gaps for high-burden, low-access regions, such as East Africa for leishmaniasis. Overall, coordinated and standardized modelling efforts are urgently needed to clarify how climate change will directly and indirectly affect these diseases worldwide.

DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae026