The Expansion of Mosquitoes in France: A New Health Threat Linked to Global Warming

Average temperatures in France have increased significantly in recent decades. According to figures from Météo France, the average temperature since 1900 to today has increased by 1.7 degrees Celsius in France. This global warming allows species of mosquitoes, formerly confined to tropical regions, to colonize new areas. Among them, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), native to Southeast Asia, is of particular concern. This mosquito is known to transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus.

The tiger mosquito is now present in almost all French departments, including regions where it was formerly absent, such as Normandy and Île-de-France. This phenomenon is mainly due to its ability to adapt to more temperate climates, facilitated by milder winters and longer, wetter summers.

The expansion of disease-carrying mosquitoes has direct consequences on public health. France has already recorded several indigenous cases of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. In 2022, the Alpes-Maritimes experienced around ten cases of dengue fever, highlighting the growing threat in areas previously spared.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Martineau, epidemiologist at the Pasteur Institute, explains: "The spread of the tiger mosquito considerably increases the risk of local epidemics. We must adapt our health infrastructure and intensify epidemiological surveillance." Health authorities have strengthened prevention and control measures, particularly through awareness campaigns and mosquito control operations.

Faced with this threat, prevention plays a crucial role. The Ministry of Health recommends that citizens limit stagnant water around their homes, protect themselves against mosquito bites and report the presence of tiger mosquitoes via dedicated platforms. Municipalities are also encouraged to step up their mosquito control efforts and improve waste management to reduce habitats conducive to mosquito breeding.

At the same time, research focuses on innovative methods to control mosquito populations. These include the sterilization of males by irradiation and the use of natural predators. However, these solutions require investment and time to be deployed effectively.

The expansion of mosquito distribution areas due to global warming is a warning signal. It illustrates the urgent need to fight climate change and adapt public health policies to new health realities. Global warming directly affects our environment and our health, requiring a rapid and coordinated response.

Governments, scientists and citizens must work together to meet this challenge. Vigilance and prevention remain our best weapons to limit the spread of vector-borne diseases. Ignoring these signals could have serious consequences for public health and the well-being of the population.

The ecological transition agency (ADEME) was able to demonstrate that every degree less of electric heating saves around 7% of energy and therefore reduces its impact on the environment by 7%.

For example, according to this data, if you usually heat your house to 21 degrees, by lowering the heating by two degrees, you will see a reduction in energy consumption of 13.51% on average. Knowing that the average price of kWh in France is 0.25 euros according to EDF, if a household of 4 people heated electrically to 21 degrees consumes 300 kWh in one month, if the following month they switch to heating at 19 degrees, they will see their electricity consumption decrease to 260 kWh and will be able to save almost 10 euros. With 5 months of heating per year, this corresponds to a saving of 50 euros per year, which is not negligible.

Origin of CO2 emissions due to energy combustion  (2020)
Ministère de la transition énergétique