NEWS How is climate change affecting the spread of mosquito-borne viruses? Could diseases such as dengue fever and West Nile virus become more common in Europe? These questions are at the heart of a course at Umeå University, 8–12 June, where international researchers and doctoral students will explore how mosquito-borne diseases spread and how they can be prevented.
Anders Lindström, researcher at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA), in the field. Journalists are welcome to participate during the course’s field component on 9 June, with opportunities to interview both participating researchers and doctoral students from around the world.
ImageKristoffer Ahlm“Several of the viruses covered in the course, including dengue, Zika and chikungunya, are on the WHO list of pathogens with the potential to cause future epidemics or pandemics. This makes the field particularly urgent,” says Olivia Wesula Lwande, researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University and course coordinator.
Mosquitoes are major vectors of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can cause disease in both humans and animals. While tropical mosquito-borne diseases remain rare in Sweden, climate change and increased global mobility have made the issue more pressing. In recent years, viruses such as West Nile virus have caused outbreaks in several European countries, and researchers are closely monitoring how both viruses and mosquito species are shifting their geographical ranges.
“Research on zoonotic viruses in mosquitoes is crucial, as it helps detect and prevent future disease outbreaks,” says Olivia Wesula Lwande.
The course combines lectures with hands-on training in both field and laboratory settings. Participants will learn how to identify mosquito species, collect mosquitoes in the field, and apply modern methods for pathogen surveillance and analysis. The course also highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, spanning biology, medicine, public health and environmental science.
PhD students working in the field.
ImageKristoffer Ahlm
Back in the laboratory, the captured mosquitoes are examined under the microscope.
ImageKristoffer AhlmThe course is organised by the National Doctoral Programme in Virus Infections and Pandemics (NDP-VIP), funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). NDP-VIP aims to strengthen education and recruitment of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in virology and pandemic preparedness. The programme is a collaboration between nine Swedish universities and is coordinated from Umeå University, where it is affiliated with the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). Learn more about NDP VIP: Visit ndp-vip.se
Anders Lindström, researcher at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA)
Rickard Ignell, professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp
Joacim Rocklöv, professor at Heidelberg University, Germany
Magnus Evander, professor at Umeå University
