(CNN) The first native cases of Zika in Europe have been confirmed after three people became infected with the virus in France. Experts warn that climate change could lead to more cases emerging across the continent.

Three people caught Zika in Hyères, southern France, in August this year, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed

While Europe dealt with hundreds of imported cases during the outbreak of the virus three years ago, it never had a native case -- where local mosquitoes developed and spread the virus -- before now.

All three patients developed symptoms within a few days of each other, the ECDC said, meaning they were likely part of the same transmission cycle. They have recovered, and the risk to residents and travelers to the region is low, the organization added.

But the Earth's warming climate and increased travel between continents means that tropical diseases including Zika are becoming more likely to flourish in Europe, experts have said.

Read More