A new policy brief from the CLIMOS project highlights the growing public health importance of sand fly-borne diseases across Europe and calls for strengthened surveillance, prevention, and cross-border collaboration.
Traditionally associated with Mediterranean regions, sand fly-borne diseases are now expanding northwards due to changing climatic conditions. Recent findings from the project indicate that several central and northern European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Netherlands, are becoming increasingly climatically suitable for sand fly vectors. This emerging reality raises important questions about whether current public health systems are prepared to address the “new normal” of vector-borne disease risks in Europe.
The policy brief, titled “Strengthening Surveillance and Prevention of Sand Fly-Borne Diseases for Early Detection & Risk Reduction,” emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to surveillance and health policy. As vector habitats expand, early detection and coordinated prevention strategies become essential to mitigate risks to human health.
Three priority areas are identified:
- Expanding monitoring in newly at-risk regions
Enhanced entomological and epidemiological surveillance is needed in central and northern European regions that are becoming suitable for sand fly populations. - Strengthening cross-border data sharing
Closer collaboration between Mediterranean endemic countries and their northern neighbours is crucial to improve information exchange, early warning systems, and coordinated responses. - Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals
Training and awareness initiatives are needed to help healthcare providers in non-endemic regions recognise the symptoms of diseases such as Leishmaniasis and infections caused by Toscana virus, which are transmitted by sand flies.
By bringing together climate modelling, epidemiology, and public health policy, the CLIMOS project underscores the importance of bridging the gap between scientific evidence and health system preparedness.
The full policy brief is available online and provides recommendations aimed at supporting European health authorities in strengthening surveillance systems and improving preparedness for sand fly-borne diseases.
🔗 https://climos-project.eu/sdc_download/6749/?key=yl17edax1z7ms6dpl9nel0wcv0jlle
