Press release: 77 000 Europeans fall sick every year with vector-borne diseases

People living in the WHO European Region do not escape diseases carried by vectors. Mosquito, sandfly and tick bites passed diseases to more than 1.5 million Europeans between 1990 and 2010.

On World Health Day, 7 April 2014, WHO called on everyone to protect themselves from vector-borne diseases.
“There is a clear warning signal to the European Region that diseases carried by vectors may spread and intensify in the years ahead. Globalised travel and trade, as well as Europe’s increased urbanization and changing weather patterns, are making this possible,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “History shows that, when efforts to prevent and control spread are focused and robust, we can contain or even get rid of these diseases. Otherwise, they can come back and risk settling again in Europe. This is not the time to lower our guard.”