Story perspectives

Climate Change Brings Mosquitoes to Iceland for First Time

10/22/2025

37 5

Center

Hjaltason Discovers Mosquitoes

Climate change is expanding mosquitoes' range, with the first sightings in Iceland as temperatures rise.
In Iceland, Björn Hjaltason, an insect enthusiast, discovered the mosquito species Culiseta annulata, confirmed by local entomologists.
The cold-tolerant species typically inhabits the Palearctic region and can breed in artificial containers.
Iceland's climate is warming four times faster than the northern hemisphere; warmer conditions raise disease risk, including chikungunya in Long Island, New York.

Left

Long Island Reports Chikungunya

A Long Island, New York, resident tested positive for chikungunya, the first local case since 2019, per the New York State Department of Health.
The patient developed symptoms in August after traveling outside the county.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pulled a live-virus vaccine after reports of serious adverse events.

1 of 2

Hjaltason Discovers Mosquitoes

Climate change is expanding mosquitoes' range, with the first sightings in Iceland as temperatures rise.
In Iceland, Björn Hjaltason, an insect enthusiast, discovered the mosquito species Culiseta annulata, confirmed by local entomologists.
The cold-tolerant species typically inhabits the Palearctic region and can breed in artificial containers.
Iceland's climate is warming four times faster than the northern hemisphere; warmer conditions raise disease risk, including chikungunya in Long Island, New York.

1 / 2