Debilitating tropical virus can spread in cool weather, posing a greater health risk than previously thought
Medical Xpress
February 18, 2026
Chikungunya virus, a debilitating tropical disease caused by infected mosquito bites, poses a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought because it can be spread when air temperatures are as low as 13°C. Researchers at the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology investigated the ability of the Asian tiger mosquito to spread the virus, which is rarely fatal but can cause long-term chronic joint pain.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/18/2026