ECDC warns longer warmer summers raise infectious disease risks across Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned on 29 July 2026 that the risk of catching some infectious diseases is growing amidst longer, warmer summers across Europe. Close cooperation across borders and sectors is vital to predict, prevent and respond effectively, the agency said in a press release.

While current heatwaves make headlines, continuously higher temperatures of ever longer duration create the conditions for many infections to spread, according to the ECDC. This summer the agency’s monitoring highlights four areas of particular importance.

Foodborne diseases rank among the most frequent summer illnesses, with warmer temperatures accelerating bacterial growth in food. The ECDC advises good hygiene, washing fruit and vegetables before eating, and thorough cooking of food, particularly meat.

Vibriosis is another concern. Warm, low-salinity coastal waters such as the Baltic Sea or river estuaries provide optimal conditions for Vibrio bacteria. The ECDC recently launched an updated interactive tool that predicts where infection risk may be higher, based on sea surface temperature and salinity data. People are advised to avoid swimming with open cuts, scratches or recent piercings, and to ensure seafood from these areas is well cooked.

Mosquito-borne diseases are becoming an increasing public health concern. Longer warm and humid seasons allow invasive mosquitoes to thrive in regions where they were previously rare or absent. Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus infection are of growing note. Protective measures include insect repellent, protective clothing, window screens, air conditioning or mosquito nets, and eliminating stagnant water near homes that serves as breeding grounds.

Tick-borne diseases also face extended seasons. Ticks remain active longer as springs and autumns become milder in many places. Infected ticks can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which can cause serious long-term complications. The ECDC recommends wearing long sleeves and trousers outdoors, checking for and removing ticks after time outside, and notes that a vaccine against TBE is available.

The agency has developed guidance on these and other summer health issues to help protect individuals and communities. At the same time, climate change is expanding the range of public health threats, increasing the need for longer-term strategic collaboration across human, environmental and animal health sectors under the EU’s One Health approach.

ECDC regularly assesses countries’ preparedness. Recent findings show that approximately half of EU member states have a national climate change adaptation plan. A further assessment found that more than half of examined member states have such a plan, though dedicated measures addressing the public health impacts of extreme weather events across sectors still require work, the agency stated.

Earlier in the summer the ECDC also issued broader advice on enjoying summer safely, covering similar risks from mosquitoes, ticks, food safety and Vibrio bacteria alongside other issues such as sexual health and vaccination for travellers (ECDC news story). Reporting on the July warning appeared in outlets including The Brussels Times and Euronews Health.