Vector-borne diseases surge in Bulgaria after COVID-19 pandemic

Bulgaria has seen a sharp rise in diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease and West Nile fever, with health authorities warning of an urgent need for stricter pest control measures.

The number of cases of diseases transmitted by vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes is climbing in Bulgaria, reaching and in some cases exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

In 2023, Bulgarian health authorities registered 295 cases of vector-borne diseases, including 10 imported cases of malaria. That number has already surged to 419 in the first few months of 2024, driven by alarming increases in Lyme borreliosis and West Nile fever — with incidence rates rising twofold and thirty-onefold, respectively.

The spike comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and is attributed to a return to normal social activity, climate-related changes, and possibly reduced vector control during lockdown periods. In response, the government is seeking to amend Regulation No. 1 of 2018, which governs procedures for disinfection, disinfestation, and deratization — the key methods for controlling pests and limiting the spread of infectious diseases.

The proposed changes, currently open for public consultation until May 19, aim to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of pest-control services. Authorities emphasize that proactive treatment is essential to curbing outbreaks and protecting public health.

Officials also underline the broader public health implications of the rise in transmissible infections, warning that untreated pest infestations may lead to further surges in disease, straining Bulgaria’s healthcare system.

The draft regulation reflects growing concern over the social and economic burden posed by vector-borne illnesses and aims to strengthen Bulgaria’s readiness to respond to such threats in a more coordinated and effective manner.

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