Autochthonous transmission of dengue in Europe, with special attention to the Spanish context

Abstract Autochthonous transmission of dengue in southern Europe has emerged as a growing public health concern, especially in regions such as Spain, due to the expansion of mosquito vector species, such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti , introduced into these regions. This article presents an overview of the situation based on the analysis of the different reports published by international and national health agencies, together with key scientific studies on autochthonous transmission of dengue in Europe and Spain. Through this work, the factors considered to be contributing or hypothesized drivers of the spread of the virus on the European continent, such as climate change, human mobility, and the proliferation of mosquito vectors, are described. It explores the cases of autochthonous transmission documented in several European countries and Spain. In addition, the surveillance protocols implemented by Spanish health authorities and the health responses to outbreaks in Spain are also examined. Finally, the risk of future transmission in Spain is assessed, and strategies are proposed to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, improve preparedness for possible outbreaks, and optimize vector-control policies in the context of global change.