How to Prevent Mosquito Borne Illnesses While Travelling in Europe

How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illnesses While Travelling in Europe

Your Guide to Avoiding Dengue, West Nile & Chikungunya in Summer

 

In the past few years, more people in Europe have been getting sick from diseases spread by mosquitoes. These illnesses, such as dengue fever and West Nile virus, were once primarily found in tropical regions. However, they’re now appearing in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

 

There are a few reasons for this. One big reason is climate change. Europe is becoming warmer and wetter in the summer, which provides mosquitoes with more places and time to breed. More people are also travelling, and cities are growing, which helps mosquitoes spread faster. These changes mean that mosquitoes—and the diseases they carry—can now survive in places they couldn’t before.

 

This is important for travellers. Even if you’re visiting places once considered low-risk, like popular holiday spots in Europe, you could still get bitten by mosquitoes and get sick. Some travellers have brought these illnesses back home after visiting well-known tourist areas.

 

That's why it's smart to be careful. If you're going on a trip this summer, remember to pack and follow some simple mosquito prevention travel tips for the European summer. These tips can help keep you safe and allow you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about mosquito bites or getting sick.

Understanding the Threat: Key Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Europe

More and more people in Europe are getting sick from diseases spread by mosquitoes. These illnesses used to primarily affect tropical regions, but they're now also appearing in European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. This is happening due to warmer weather, increased travel, and growing cities—all of which contribute to mosquitoes' survival and spread.

 

Here are the three primary diseases to watch out for:

Dengue Fever

Aedes mosquitoes spread Dengue. During 2023, Europe had 130 local cases, almost double the 71 in 2022. Before that, there were only 73 cases in total over ten years!

Symptoms include:

 

• High fever
• Headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rash

 

Most people get better, but severe Dengue can be dangerous and needs quick medical care.

Chikungunya

Also spread by Aedes mosquitoes, chikungunya causes:

 

• Fever
• Bad joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Tiredness

 

In 2024, France had a local case of chikungunya (ECDC Report). Joint pain can last weeks or even months.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Culex mosquitoes spread WNV. In 2024, 19 European countries had human cases of this virus (ECDC Data).

 

Most people don’t feel sick, but about 1 in 5 will get:

 

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Rash

 

About 1 in 150 people can get very sick, especially older adults. It can affect the brain and may even cause death (WHO Info).

City vs. Countryside Risk

Cities encourage mosquito growth through standing water, trash, and construction sites, which is why places like Paris or Rome are not mosquito-free. Rural areas, like farms and wetlands, also have mosquitoes, especially those that spread the West Nile Virus.

 

A study found that cities help spread Dengue and chikungunya, while the countryside is more at risk for West Nile (PLOS Study).

 

No matter where you’re going in Europe, be careful. Use mosquito spray, wear long sleeves, and stay in places with screens or air conditioning. These simple steps can help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip.

Your Prevention Arsenal: Easy Ways to Stay Safe from Mosquitoes

When travelling in Europe, especially in the summer, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is essential. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus, so it's a good idea to take a few simple steps to stay safe.

One way to achieve this is by employing a multi-layered approach, which involves using more than one method simultaneously. Just spraying bug repellent might not be enough. But you'll be much safer wearing long clothes and staying in a mosquito-proof room. Think of it like building a shield to block mosquitoes in different ways.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll talk about next:

• Wearing protective clothing: Choose long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and light-coloured clothes. These help stop mosquitoes from landing on your skin.
• Using insect repellent: Sprays or creams containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil are effective in keeping mosquitoes away from your body.
• Using barriers: Stay in places with window screens, mosquito nets, or air conditioning to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Avoiding busy mosquito times: Some mosquitoes bite in the early morning or evening. Try to stay indoors or wear extra protection during those hours.
• Getting rid of standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water. Check for water in flowerpots, buckets, or puddles and remove it when you can.
• Special travel tips: We'll also advise on outdoor activities like hiking or beach trips and what to do if you get bitten.

 

Each of these tips is helpful, but using them together provides significantly better protection. Whether walking around a city, enjoying the countryside, or relaxing by the sea, these simple actions can help keep you bite-free.

Choosing & Using Insect Repellents Effectively

If you travel around Europe in the summer, you'll want to keep mosquitoes away. They can carry diseases like Dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. A good insect repellent can help protect you, but it is essential to know which one to use and how to use it properly.

Which Repellent Should You Use?

Here’s a simple chart showing the three most common types of insect repellent:

 

Repellent	How Long Does It Work	Good Things	Things to Watch Out For	Safe For Kids
DEET	Up to 10 Hours	Works well; easy to find	Can feel greasy; strong smell	Yes (over 2 months old)
Picaridin(Icaridin)	Up to 12 hours	No smell; not sticky; good on clothes	Might cost more; not in every shop	Yes (over 2 months old)
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil	Up to 6 hours	Plant-based; smells nice	Not for young kids; may irritate skin	Yes (over 3 years old)

 

How to Put It On Properly

• Use sunscreen first: Put on sunscreen and let it soak in for about 20 minutes.
• Then use insect repellent: Spray or rub it on your skin.
• Don’t use combo products: Some products mix sunscreen and repellent in one — these don’t work either (Consumer Reports).

How Often Do I Need to Reapply?

• Sunscreen: Every 2 hours or after swimming.
• Repellent: It usually lasts longer—check the label—but most only need to be used once or twice a day.

 

You can stay safe from bites and enjoy your holiday across Europe by picking the right insect repellent and using it correctly.

Protecting Yourself with Clothing & Your Surroundings

If you're travelling in Europe during summer, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is essential. Some mosquitoes can carry diseases. One of the best mosquito prevention travel tips for European summer travellers is to wear the right clothes and stay in places that keep mosquitoes out.

Special Mosquito-Proof Clothing

Some clothes are made or treated with permethrin. This special bug spray stays on clothes and keeps mosquitoes and ticks away. You can buy clothes already treated with permethrin or spray them on yourself at home using products like Sawyer Permethrin.

 

These clothes can continue to work even after being washed several times. They’re great for hikes, day trips, or anywhere with a high mosquito population. (CDC Guide)

What to Wear

• Fabric: Choose tightly woven fabrics like nylon or polyester. Mosquitoes can’t easily bite through them.
• Fit: Wear loose clothes. They don’t touch your skin as much, so mosquitoes can’t bite through.
• Colour: Wear light colours like white, beige, or pale blue. Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours, such as black or navy.

Picking the Right Place to Stay

• Air Conditioning: Staying in a room with air conditioning is one of the best ways to avoid mosquitoes. They don’t like the cool air!
• Screens on Windows: If there’s no AC, ensure the windows and doors have screens with no holes so mosquitoes can’t fly in.
• No Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water. Look out for buckets, puddles, or flower pots with water and try to keep them empty. (NHS Bite Advice)

Using a Bed Net

If you're staying where there might be many mosquitoes, sleeping under a bed net is a good idea.

 

• Choose one with small holes so mosquitoes can’t get through.
• Tuck it under your mattress so there are no gaps.
• You can even get nets that are treated with permethrin for extra protection. (ECDC Dengue Advice)

 

Wearing the right clothes, staying in mosquito-safe rooms, and using a bed net when needed will keep you much safer from bites. These simple steps can help you enjoy your European summer trip without itchy bites or getting sick.

Regional Mosquito Risks in Europe: What You Should Know

Mosquitoes that carry diseases like Dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus are becoming more common in parts of Europe. Warmer weather and more travel have helped them spread. Knowing the most affected places can help you plan your trip and stay safe.

Where Are the Hotspots?

Some places in Europe have had more mosquito problems than others. These are called hotspots—areas where mosquito-borne diseases are more likely to occur.

 

• France: In 2023, people got Dengue from local mosquitoes, especially in southern France. (ECDC Report)
• Italy: Italy has seen cases of both Dengue and chikungunya. These happened in places where the Aedes mosquito (the kind that spreads these illnesses) lives.
• Spain: Some parts of Spain, like Andalusia in the south, have had West Nile virus cases.
• Greece: Greece has had many cases of the West Nile virus, mostly during the summer.

 

These areas are usually warmer, especially in the summer, which makes it easier for mosquitoes to live and breed.

Seasons Matter: When Are Mosquitoes Worst?

• Summer (June to September) is the worst time for mosquito activity in Europe. They are more active when it’s warm and wet.
• More rain and hotter temperatures mean more places for mosquitoes to lay eggs, like puddles, ponds, and containers with water. (ECDC Climate Report)

 

Try travelling outside these high-risk months or be extra careful during the summer.

Use Online Maps to Check Risk

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has some helpful maps online that show:

 

• Where the Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito) lives, it spreads Dengue and chikungunya
• Where are the new West Nile virus cases

 

You can find the maps here:

• Mosquito map
• WNV updates

Smart Travel Tips

• Check updates: Look at ECDC or health websites before your trip.
• Use repellent: Put on insect spray and wear long sleeves and trousers.
• Stay in safe places: Pick hotels or homes with air conditioning or screened windows.
• Avoid mosquito times: Mosquitoes bite most during sunrise and sunset, so try to stay indoors then.

 

Knowing where and when the risks are higher, you can enjoy your trip around Europe and stay safe from mosquito bites.

First Aid: How to Treat a Bite

• Clean it: Wash the bite with soap and water. This helps stop it from getting infected.
• Cool it: Use a cold cloth or ice pack for 10 minutes to stop the swelling and itching.
• Don’t scratch: Scratching might feel itchy but can break the skin and lead to infection.
• Use creams: You can buy anti-itch creams or allergy tablets (called antihistamines) from a pharmacy. Ask a pharmacist for help choosing the right one. (NHS guide)

When to See a Doctor

Most bites heal in a few days, but go to a doctor if:

 

• The bite is very red, hot, or swollen.
• You see pus or red streaks around the bite.
• You get a fever, chills, or feel tired. (Cambridge University Hospitals)
• If you have trouble breathing or your face or throat swells up, this could be a severe allergy. Call emergency help right away. (NHS advice)

After You Get Home: Watch for Symptoms

Sometimes, mosquito bites can spread diseases like Dengue or West Nile virus. These don't always show up right away. Keep an eye out for:

 

• High fever
• Bad headaches or pain in the back of your eyes
• Muscle or joint pain
• A skin rash

 

See a doctor if you feel any of these things after your trip. Be sure to tell them where you travelled. This helps them figure out if you have caught something. (CDC Travel Advice)

Getting Help Abroad

If you need help while you’re still on holiday:

 

• Go to a pharmacy — they can help with minor bites or give advice.
• In any EU country, you can dial 112 for emergency services.
• If you're an EU citizen, you can carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get healthcare at reduced cost (or sometimes free) in other EU countries.

 

Always carry your travel insurance details and know the emergency numbers in the country you’re visiting.

 

By knowing what to do and watching for signs of illness, you can quickly treat mosquito bites and enjoy your trip safely.

Myth vs. Fact: What You Need to Know About Mosquitoes in Europe

Many people think mosquitoes are only a problem in tropical places—but that's not true! Let’s bust some common myths:

 

Myth	Fact
There are no dangerous mosquitoes in Europe.	Wrong! Mosquitoes in Europe can spread diseases like Dengue and the West Nile virus, especially in the summer.
You only need bug spray in the jungle.	Nope. Even European cities and beaches can have mosquitoes, especially in warmer months.
Citronella candles work great.	Not really. Only repellents with DEET, Picaridin, or Lemon Eucalyptus oil are proven to work well.
Mosquitoes only bite at night.	Not always. Some mosquitoes bite during the day, especially those that spread Dengue.
Wearing long sleeves is enough.	Not always. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothes unless you treat them with permethrin.
If I don’t see any mosquitoes, I’m safe.	Be careful. Some mosquitoes are sneaky and bite without you noticing.

Eco-Friendly Mosquito Protection for Travellers

Want to protect yourself and the planet? Try these green travel tips:

 

• Use plant-based bug sprays with Lemon Eucalyptus oil. (Not for kids under 3.)
• Wear bug-proof clothes treated with permethrin. You can reuse them for many trips!
• Pick sprays with refillable or recyclable bottles. Less waste = better for Earth.
• Use solar-powered fans or mosquito traps instead of chemical sprays when possible.
• Stay in places with screens or nets. That way, you don’t need as much bug spray.
• Avoid sprays with aerosols. They’re bad for the air and the environment.

 

With these mosquito prevention travel tips for the European summer, you can stay safe and eco-friendly while exploring new places.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Trip

Going to Europe in the summer is fun, but don't forget to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wearing the right clothes, using bug spray, and staying in safe places can help keep you healthy. These mosquito prevention travel tips for European summer travellers can help you enjoy your trip without worries.

 

If you do get a mosquito bite or start feeling sick, you can talk to a doctor quickly. Mobi Doctor lets you get help from anywhere in the EU, anytime—even from your phone.

 

Be smart, stay safe, and have a fantastic trip!