Red alarm level: Tiger mosquitoes spread - tropical diseases in sight!

Red alarm level: Tiger mosquitoes spread - tropical diseases in sight!

In recent years, a new chapter in the health history of Europe seems to be open. The Asian tiger mosquito, a native newcomer, is increasingly spreading in Germany and brings potential transmitters of tropical diseases. According to information from world and ongoing observations of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), these developments ensure growing interest and also a certain amount of concern.

Only recently researchers reported the tiger mosquito in Baden-Württemberg, while a current case of Chikungunya infection was registered in the Alsace near the German border, such as SWR reported. These types of mosquitoes run across motorways to the country and lay their eggs in standing waters, which favors their distribution.

tropical diseases in everyday awareness

The effects of this invasion have now also reached local health authorities. Hendrik Wilking from the RKI emphasizes the possibility of local outbreaks in Germany, which do not necessarily have to be connected to travel. The RKI has already reported a number of transferred chikungunya cases, which are usually reported to nord24 . Between April and June of this year there were 75 chikungunya cases nationwide, all travel-associated.

The symptoms of the Chikungunya fever should not be underestimated: High fever and painful joints can plague the affected people for a while. While most of them recover within a week, the joint pain can last for a long time. Older people and chronically ill, in particular, are at risk of increased dimensions, as is emphasized in different sources.

vaccination recommendations and prevention strategies

A development that cannot be ignored is the vaccination recommendation of the constant vaccination commission (STIKO). In the course of an infection in France, in which a patient was infected in a risk area without a stay. The STIKO recommends vaccinations for people aged 12 and over who travel to areas where outbreaks are currently being determined. Local vaccination recommendations could also arise in the future if the situation requires.

The tiger mosquito is not solely responsible for the transfer of diseases such as Chikungunya, also Dengue, Zika and the West Nil virus are on the list of possible health risks. Climate change, with its rising temperatures, favors the spread of these mosquito types and thus also the associated tropical diseases, as the data of the European Health Authority suggests.

A call for self-protection measure

experts recommend actively protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The use of mosquito sprays and wearing suitable clothing can help to protect yourself from a possible infection. The fight against breeding grounds is also crucial: Standing water should be consistently removed in order not to offer the mosquitoes a suitable environment.

awareness and preventive care are therefore required. Each individual can help minimize the spread of these invasive species. The topic of mosquito monitoring is increasing - offers such as the mosquito atlas help to better understand the spread and act preventively.