Mosquitoes are expanding their geographical range, bringing with them an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases in regions that have historically been unaffected.

A recent feature published by Nature, “How mosquitoes are conquering the world — in four charts”, explores how climate change, global trade and human mobility are contributing to the spread of disease-carrying mosquito species. The expansion of mosquito vectors has important implications for the emergence and transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

The Nature feature, written by Mariana Lenharo, draws extensively on a scientific study co-authored by César Capinha and researchers from the GHTM | Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT NOVA), Carla Sousa and Rebecca Pabst. Their research examines the global distribution and spread of mosquito vectors, as well as the environmental and human-driven factors shaping their expansion.

Understanding where mosquito vectors are found, how their ranges are changing and which factors are driving their spread is increasingly important for global health. Changes in environmental conditions, together with the movement of people and goods, can create new opportunities for mosquito species to establish themselves in previously unsuitable areas.

As the scientific community marks World Mosquito Day this week, this publication showcases the impact of GHTM | IHMT NOVA’s research in advancing knowledge in global health and epidemiology, and in tackling the increasing challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases.

As mosquito-borne diseases continue to emerge and expand into new geographical regions, research on vector distribution can play a crucial role in strengthening surveillance systems, improving preparedness and supporting more effective public health responses.

The work highlighted by Nature underscores the importance of combining ecological, environmental and epidemiological knowledge to better anticipate the changing landscape of vector-borne diseases.

Read the GHTM | IHMT NOVA publication to learn more about the research and its contribution to understanding the global expansion of mosquito vectors: “Global invasion patterns and dynamics of disease vector mosquitoes”

Read the Nature feature: “How mosquitoes are conquering the world — in four charts”