Red alert: Tiger mosquitoes are spreading – tropical diseases in sight!

Red alert: Tiger mosquitoes are spreading – tropical diseases in sight!

In recent years, a new chapter seems to be opening in Europe's health history. The Asian tiger mosquito, a native newcomer, is increasingly spreading in Germany and brings with it potential vectors of tropical diseases. According to information from World and ongoing observations by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), these developments are causing growing interest and also a certain degree of concern.

Researchers recently reported a spread of the tiger mosquito in Baden-Württemberg, while a current case of chikungunya infection was recorded in Alsace near the German border SWR reported. These mosquito species migrate into the country along highways and lay their eggs in stagnant water, which promotes their spread.

Tropical diseases in everyday consciousness

The effects of this invasion have now reached local health authorities. Hendrik Wilking from the RKI emphasizes the possibility of local outbreaks in Germany, which are not necessarily related to travel. The RKI has already reported a number of transmitted cases of Chikungunya, which are usually... North24 reported to be due to travel. Between April and June this year, there were 75 chikungunya cases nationwide, all travel-related.

The symptoms of Chikungunya fever should not be underestimated: high fever and painful joints can plague those affected for quite a while. While most of them recover within a week, joint pain can last for a long time. Older people and chronically ill people in particular are at greater risk, as various sources emphasize.

Vaccination recommendations and prevention strategies

A development that cannot be ignored is the vaccination recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko). This was announced in the wake of a case of infection in France, in which a patient became infected without staying in a risk area. Stiko recommends vaccinations for people aged 12 and over who travel to areas where outbreaks are currently being identified. There could also be local vaccination recommendations in the future if the situation requires it.

The tiger mosquito is not solely responsible for transmitting diseases such as chikungunya; dengue, Zika and West Nile virus are also on the list of possible health risks. Climate change, with its rising temperatures, is favoring the spread of these mosquito species and thus also the associated tropical diseases, as data from the European Health Authority suggests.

A call for self-protection measures

Experts recommend actively protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Using mosquito sprays and wearing appropriate clothing can help protect yourself from possible infection. Combating breeding sites is also crucial: standing water should be consistently eliminated so as not to provide mosquitoes with a suitable environment.

Awareness and precaution are therefore required. Everyone can help minimize the spread of these invasive species. The topic of mosquito monitoring is becoming increasingly important - offers such as the mosquito atlas help to better understand the spread and take preventive action.