Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases on Kastellorizo Island
A recent study conducted as part of the IDAlert project has shed light on the impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases, focusing on mosquito populations on the remote Greek island of Kastellorizo. This research provides valuable insights into the challenges of mosquito surveillance and control in isolated communities, particularly in the context of changing climate patterns and increased global connectivity.
Key Findings
Mosquito Species Presence
The study confirmed the presence of several mosquito species on Kastellorizo, including:
- Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)
- Aedes cretinus
- Culex pipiens
The detection of Aedes albopictus is particularly noteworthy, as this invasive species can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Its presence on Kastellorizo underscores the potential for climate change to alter mosquito distributions and increase the risk of vector-borne diseases in previously unaffected areas.
Finally, the recent introduction of Aedes aegypti in Cyprus highlights the need for comprehensive entomological surveillance not only on the Kastellorizo island, but also in the surrounding remote areas.
Community Awareness and Preparedness
Researchers conducted a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey among island residents, revealing:
- High levels of mosquito nuisance reported by residents
- Limited knowledge about mosquito ecology and breeding habits
- Significant willingness to invest in mosquito protection measures
The survey highlighted the need for increased public education about mosquito-related health risks and effective control strategies. Notably, respondents ranked the numbers of mosquitoes on the island at a mean of 3.32 (on a scale of 0 to 4), indicating a significant presence.
Innovative Surveillance Methods
The research team employed a multi-faceted approach to mosquito surveillance, including:
- Oviposition traps
- BG-Sentinel traps
- Human landingcollections
These methods provided comprehensive data on mosquito populations, and human exposure risks. The use of multiple collection techniques allowed for a more thorough understanding of the mosquito species present and their behavior patterns.
Seasonal Patterns and Community Impact
The study revealed that mosquitoes were present on Kastellorizo nearly year-round, with the average nuisance season beginning in March and ending in October-November. This extended season of mosquito activity has significant implications for both public health and the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
Economic Burden on Residents
The survey uncovered a substantial economic impact on residents due to mosquito-related expenses. On average, households reported spending €34 per month on mosquito protection measures, with some spending up to €100 monthly. This financial burden is particularly significant given the island’s small population and limited resources.
Dr Antonios Michaelakis, lead investigator of the IDAlert project study on Kastellorizo, emphasised the importance of the findings:
“Our research on Kastellorizo reveals the complex challenges faced by isolated communities in the era of climate change and global movement. The presence of invasive mosquito species like Aedes albopictus signals a potential increase in vector-borne disease risks. However, what’s equally striking is the community’s willingness to invest in protection, despite limited knowledge about effective control measures. This underscores the urgent need for targeted education and sustainable, community-involved surveillance programs to safeguard public health in vulnerable island ecosystems.”
This IDAlert project study on Kastellorizo offers crucial insights for developing effective mosquito control strategies in remote island settings. By adopting a One Health approach that considers the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, we can better mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases in the face of climate change. The findings from this research will feed into other IDAlert activities and case studies in other geographical locations and contribute to our understanding of how climate change impacts infectious disease dynamics across Europe.
Read the full article: Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Mosquito Species Expansion: A Comprehensive Entomological Surveillance Study on Kastellorizo, a Remote Greek Island
