Health
Tiger mosquitoes blamed for spread of dengue fever: ‘Most invasive species’
As dengue fever continues to spread throughout Europe, experts are blaming an invasive mosquito species as the culprit.
Known as “tiger mosquitoes,” the insects — of the species name Aedes albopictus — have spread into 13 EU countries, according to an alert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Elitza Theel, PhD, director of Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Minnesota, confirmed that tiger mosquitoes are a “known vector” for dengue virus and can transmit the virus to individuals who have not previously been infected.
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“This mosquito species is concerning for a number of reasons, including that it is considered the most invasive species in the world,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Although typically considered a tropical mosquito, it is able to survive in cooler climates.”
Tiger mosquitoes — the species Aedes albopictus — have spread into 13 EU countries, according to an alert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (iStock)
The mosquito species is moving further and further north globally as temperatures grow warmer, the expert said.
“Tiger mosquitoes are also rather aggressive, biting both humans and animals at any time of the day, rather than just at dawn or dusk, which is typical of other mosquito species,” Theel warned.
Health officials claimed that climate change is one of the factors contributing to the spread of these insects.
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“Europe is already seeing how climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected areas and infect more people with diseases such as dengue,” said Andrea Ammon, ECDC director, in a press release from the agency.
“Increased international travel from dengue-endemic countries will also increase the risk of imported cases, and inevitably also the risk of local outbreaks,” she continued.
“This mosquito species is concerning for a number of reasons.”
“Personal protective measures combined with vector control measures, early detection of cases, timely surveillance, further research and awareness-raising activities are paramount in those areas in Europe most at risk.”
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito.
It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Each year, up to 400 million people are infected, the CDC said.
There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common. (iStock)
Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash, usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.
Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.
“It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death,” Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, told Fox News Digital.
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“One of the reasons for the higher rate of infection is due to the fact that the tiger mosquito, the carrier of dengue, has adapted to living in urban environments and alongside humans,” said Pennsylvania-based Fischer.
There is not currently a medication to treat dengue, the CDC noted.
“This species … has established populations in several [U.S.] states.”
Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.
There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.
Dengue fever in the US
While dengue fever is most prevalent in the tropics and subtropics, experts warn that it’s also rising globally.
“Based on information from the National Invasive Species Information Center, this species of mosquito was first identified in the United States in 1985 and has established populations in several states,” Fischer told Fox News Digital.
Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash, usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito. (iStock)
There does not currently seem to be an immediate threat of tiger mosquitoes to the U.S., however, noted Fischer.
“That said, with climate change affecting the globe and tiger mosquitoes thriving in warm temperatures and in urban cities, it is possible that they can become an increasing danger in the coming months and years,” he said.
In 2024, there were 1,984 dengue cases in the U.S., according to CDC data.
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Most of those were reported by people who had been infected outside the country before returning.
“Although this species of mosquito is currently found in the U.S., at present it is considered a nuisance mosquito, because the viruses it is competent to transmit are not circulating or endemic in the United States,” Theel said.
Other risks of mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal because they transmit so many dangerous pathogens, with dengue being the most common — “over 390 million infections annually worldwide,” Theel noted.
While dengue is one of the “most concerning viral pathogens” that mosquitoes transmit, Theel warned that they also transmit malaria, which causes over 240 million infections each year and remains a serious problem in Africa and regions of southeast Asia.
Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal because they transmit so many dangerous pathogens. Dengue is the most common — “over 390 million infections annually worldwide,” one expert noted. (iStock)
“These mosquitoes can also transmit other viruses, like Chikungunya virus and Zika virus, to humans — and dirofilaria, a parasitic nematode, to both dogs and humans,” she said.
“The West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus are some of the mosquito-borne viruses that we are concerned with annually in the U.S., all of which can lead to severe neurologic disease and sequelae,” Theel added.
“Each year, one million people die from mosquito-related illness, so these insects do pose a serious threat to global health.”
Depending on where in the world they reside, some people may be more at risk for some of these illnesses than others, said Fischer.
“It is important to check your local government resources to see which, if any, of these diseases you may be most susceptible to and make sure you are taking proper precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illness,” he advised.
“Each year, one million people die from mosquito-related illness, so these insects do pose a serious threat to global health.”
Prevention of mosquito-borne disease
In its alert, the ECDC called for “efficient but eco-friendly tools to manage mosquito populations” and recommended “removing stagnant water in gardens or balconies where mosquitoes breed.”
“It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects,” Fischer advised.
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“Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin.”
Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said.
Individuals should always use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent, an expert advised. (iStock)
“If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects,” Fischer recommended.
“Individuals should always use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent — particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” Theel recommended.
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“If camping or spending prolonged time outdoors and in forested areas, individuals could consider treating their clothing with permethrin to repel insects as well.”
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What if your New Year’s resolution could fit inside a tote bag? Social media users are trying the “analog bag” trend, replacing phones with offline activities.
The trend is widely credited to TikTok creator Sierra Campbell, who posted about her own analog bag — containing a crossword book, portable watercolor set, Polaroid camera, planner and knitting supplies — and encouraged followers to make their own.
Her video prompted many others to share their own versions, with items like magazines, decks of cards, paints, needlepoint and puzzle books.
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“I made a bag of non-digital activities to occupy my hands instead of the phone,” said Campbell, adding that the practice has significantly cut her screen time and filled her life with “creative and communal pursuits that don’t include doom-scrolling.”
“I created the analog bag after learning the only way to change a habit is to replace it with another,” she told Fox News Digital.
Social media users are trying the “analog bag” trend, replacing phones with offline activities like cameras, notebooks and magazines. (Fox News Digital)
The science of healthier habits
Research on habit formation supports the idea of the analog bag, according to Dr. Daniel Amen, a California-based psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics.
“Your brain is a creature of habit,” Amen said during an interview with Fox News Digital. “Neurons that fire together wire together, meaning that every time you repeat a behavior, whether it’s good or bad, you strengthen the neural pathways that make it easier to do it again.”
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Studies show that habits are automatic responses to specific cues — such as boredom, stress or idle time — that typically deliver some kind of reward, according to the doctor. When no alternative behavior is available, people tend to fall back on the same routine, often without realizing it.
Research suggests that replacing an old habit with a new one tied to the same cue is more effective than trying to suppress the behavior altogether.
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“[When] cutting out coffee — you need to have another drink to grab for, not just quit cold turkey. It’s how the pathways in our brains work,” Campbell said.
By substituting a different routine that still provides stimulation and engagement, people can gradually weaken the original habit and build a new automatic response.
Substituting another activity instead of scrolling on your phone can help quell the impulse to reach for it. (iStock)
“Simply stopping a behavior is very challenging,” Amen said. “Replacing one habit with something that is better for your brain is much easier. That’s how lasting change happens, one step at a time.”
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If alternatives are within arm’s reach, people will be more likely to use them, the doctor said. “Your brain does much better with small, simple actions than big, vague intentions.”
Instead of saying, “I’ll stop scrolling today,” the doctor recommends choosing a small habit you can do in a few moments in specific situations, like knitting 10 rows of a scarf on your commute or reading a few pages of a book while waiting at the doctor’s office.
“If alternatives are within arm’s reach, you’re more likely to use them,” a brain doctor said. “Your brain does much better with small, simple actions than big, vague intentions.” (iStock)
Campbell shared her own examples of how to use an analog bag. At a coffee shop with friends, she said, she might pull out a crossword puzzle and ask others to help with answers when the conversation lulls.
Instead of taking dozens of photos on her phone, she uses an instant camera, which limits shots and encourages more intentional moments.
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In casual outdoor settings, such as a park or winery, she brings a small watercolor set for a quick creative outlet.
“It’s brought so much joy,” Campbell said of the analog bag trend, “seeing how it resonates with so many.”
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A deadly, drug-resistant fungus already spreading rapidly through U.S. hospitals is becoming even more threatening worldwide, though there may be hope for new treatments, according to a new scientific review.
Candida auris (C. auris), often described as a “superbug fungus,” is spreading globally and increasingly resisting human immune systems, Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) researchers said in a review published in early December.
The findings reinforce prior CDC warnings that have labeled C. auris an “urgent antimicrobial threat” — the first fungal pathogen to receive that designation — as U.S. cases have surged, particularly in hospitals and long-term care centers.
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Approximately 7,000 cases were identified across dozens of U.S. states in 2025, according to the CDC, and it has reportedly been identified in at least 60 countries.
Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus spreading in hospitals worldwide. (Nicolas Armer/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
The review, published in Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, helps explain why the pathogen is so difficult to contain and warns that outdated diagnostics and limited treatments lag behind. It was conducted by Dr. Neeraj Chauhan of the Hackensack Meridian CDI in New Jersey, Dr. Anuradha Chowdhary of the University of Delhi’s Medical Mycology Unit and Dr. Michail Lionakis, chief of the clinical mycology program at the National Institutes of Health.
Their findings stress the need to develop “novel antifungal agents with broad-spectrum activity against human fungal pathogens, to improve diagnostic tests and to develop immune- and vaccine-based adjunct modalities for the treatment of high-risk patients,” the researchers said in a statement.
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“In addition, future efforts should focus on raising awareness about fungal disease through developing better surveillance mechanisms, especially in resource-poor countries,” they added. “All these developments should help improve the outcomes and prognosis of patients afflicted by opportunistic fungal infections.”
Candida auris can survive on skin and hospital surfaces, allowing it to spread easily. (iStock)
First identified in 2009 from a patient’s ear sample in Japan, C. auris has since spread to dozens of countries, including the U.S., where outbreaks have forced some hospital intensive care units to shut down, according to the researchers.
The fungus poses the greatest risk to people who are already critically ill, particularly those on ventilators or with weakened immune systems. Once infected, about half of patients may die, according to some estimates.
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Unlike many other fungi, C. auris can survive on human skin and cling to hospital surfaces and medical equipment, allowing it to spread easily in healthcare settings.
“It is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, and it tends to spread in hospital settings, including on equipment being used on immunocompromised and semi-immunocompromised patients, such as ventilators and catheters,” Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, previously told Fox News Digital.
Scientists say the unique cell wall structure of C. auris makes it harder to kill. (iStock)
It is also frequently misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and infection control measures.
“Unfortunately, symptoms such as fever, chills and aches may be ubiquitous, and it can be mistaken for other infections,” Siegel said.
In September, he said intense research was ongoing to develop new treatments.
Only four major classes of antifungal drugs are currently available, and C. auris has already shown resistance to many of them. While three new antifungal drugs have been approved or are in late-stage trials, researchers warn that drug development has struggled to keep pace with the fungus’s evolution.
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Despite the sobering findings, there is still room for cautious optimism.
The fungus can cling to skin and hospital surfaces, aiding its spread. (iStock)
In separate research published in December, scientists at the University of Exeter in England discovered a potential weakness in C. auris while studying the fungus in a living-host model.
The team found that, during infection, the fungus activates specific genes to scavenge iron, a nutrient it needs to survive, according to their paper, published in the Nature portfolio journal Communications Biology in December.
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Because iron is essential for the pathogen, researchers believe drugs that block this process could eventually stop infections or even allow existing medications to be repurposed.
“We think our research may have revealed an Achilles’ heel in this lethal pathogen during active infection,” Dr. Hugh Gifford, a clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter and co-author of the study, said in a statement.
New research is underway to develop better treatments and diagnostics for C. auris. (iStock)
As researchers race to better understand the fungus, officials warn that strict infection control, rapid detection and continued investment in new treatments remain critical.
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Health experts emphasize that C. auris is not a threat to healthy people.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the CDI researchers and additional experts for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed reporting.
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