Vector-Borne Infections in Romania: From Surveillance to Prediction

Vector-borne infections are a growing public health concern in Romania, influenced by ecological diversity, climate change, and socioeconomic factors. West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis, and Lyme borreliosis represent the most significant threats, with additional risks posed by emerging pathogens, such as leishmaniasis, and the potential reintroduction of malaria. While surveillance systems exist for human cases and, to a lesser extent, vectors, these remain fragmented, underfunded, and limited in their integration across human, veterinary, and environmental health domains. By highlighting both gaps and opportunities, this review provides a forward-looking perspective on strengthening Romania's capacity to anticipate and manage vector-borne disease threats. Transitioning from reactive surveillance to proactive, prediction-driven strategies will be critical to safeguarding public health in the context of accelerating environmental change.