Alarm in Lower Saxony: Asian tiger mosquitos threatens our health!

Alarm in Lower Saxony: Asian tiger mosquitos threatens our health!

In the heart of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) alerts the population about the threat of the Asian tiger mosquito. This small, black and white mosquito can not only provide unpleasant stitches, but also transfer dangerous viruses such as the fever and the chikungunya virus. According to news38.de, the NLGA had to react to some sites in 2023 and plans to set up eight mosquito traps in the country in order to monitor the activities of the tiger mosquito precisely.

Thanks to a mild climate, the tiger mosquito, which is particularly active during the day, has gained distribution in recent years. Her preferences are particularly noteworthy: she lies her eggs in the smallest water accumulation that can even survive in wastewater overflow areas. Garden owners are therefore called up to regularly renew standing water sources such as watering cans or bird drinks. In addition, specialist veterinarian Sonja Wolken recommends intensifying garden maintenance and eliminating potential breeding grounds.

transmission of viruses

To transfer dengue or chikungunya viruses in Germany, an infected mosquito is necessary that the virus has taken over by a traveler. The Robert Koch-Institut indicates that no autochthonous transmission cases are known in Germany. Nevertheless, ideal climatic conditions, which are reinforced by climate change, contribute to the increase in infection rates in the coming years.

The shifts of the temperatures cannot be ignored-increasing warming improves the transmission conditions for various viruses and makes autochthone chikungunya infections in the summer months more and more likely. In southern Europe, there have already occurred isolated transmissions of the Dengue and Zikavirus, while the Central European summer has so far not been sufficiently warm to present a serious threat.

global trends

climate change also has alarming consequences worldwide: A current analysis has shown that around 19% of dengue cases in heavily affected countries are due to climatic changes. By September 2024, over 13 million dengue infections and almost 8,500 deaths were registered worldwide, according to the [Tagesspiegel] (https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/ Disease-studie-studie-klimawandel-schharft-breit-des-des-duefiebers-12720668.html). This illustrates how important it is to be vigilant, because the World Health Organization warns of an increasing risk of denying in Europe, while the Asian tiger mosquito is increasingly gaining in Germany.

In 2023 there were 953 reported dengue cases in Germany, with the most common infection countries Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and India. The awareness of the dangers of the tiger mosquito is greater than ever - and it is in the hands of the population to pay attention to signs of a settlement. Anyone who is bothered by mosquitoes during the day and has suspicions should react immediately to protect yourself and others.

The warning of the NLGA makes it clear that simple measures can be used to spread the tiger mosquito and the associated health risks. The concern for your own health and health of the community must now be a priority.