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

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

In the heart of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) is alerting the population about the threat posed by the Asian tiger mosquito. This small, black and white mosquito can not only cause unpleasant bites, but can also transmit dangerous viruses such as dengue fever and the chikungunya virus. According to news38.de, the NLGA had to respond to some sites as early as 2023 and plans to set up eight mosquito traps in the country to closely monitor tiger mosquito activity.

Thanks to a mild climate, the tiger mosquito, which is particularly active during the day, has become more widespread in recent years. Her preferences are particularly noteworthy: she lays her eggs in the smallest accumulations of water, which can even survive in sewage overflow areas. Garden owners are therefore called upon to regularly replace standing water sources such as watering cans or bird baths. Specialist veterinarian Sonja Wolken also recommends intensifying garden maintenance and eliminating potential breeding sites.

Transmission of viruses

In order to transmit dengue or chikungunya viruses in Germany, an infected mosquito that has acquired the virus from a traveler is required. The [Robert Koch Institute](https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infectious Diseases/Infectious Diseases-A-Z/M/Mueckenuebersagene-Neillen/Mueckenueberbarene-Neillen-im-Ueberblick.html) points out that so far no autochthonous cases of transmission are known in Germany. Nevertheless, ideal climatic conditions, exacerbated by climate change, contribute to the possibility of an increase in infection rates in the coming years.

The shifts in temperatures cannot be ignored - increasing warming improves the transmission conditions for various viruses and makes indigenous Chikungunya infections increasingly likely in the summer months. Isolated transmissions of the dengue and Zika viruses have already occurred in southern Europe, while the Central European summer has not yet been warm enough to pose a serious threat.

Global trends

Climate change also has alarming consequences worldwide: A recent analysis has shown that around 19% of dengue cases in heavily affected countries can be attributed to climatic changes. As of September 2024, over 13 million dengue infections and almost 8,500 deaths have been registered worldwide, according to Tagesspiegel. This highlights the importance of being vigilant as the World Health Organization warns of an increasing risk of dengue cases in Europe, while the Asian tiger mosquito is increasingly spreading in Germany.

In 2023, there were 953 reported dengue cases in Germany, with the most common infected countries being Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and India. Awareness of the dangers of tiger mosquitoes is greater than ever - and it is up to the public to watch out for signs of colonization. Anyone who is bothered by mosquitoes during the day and has suspicions should react immediately to protect themselves and others.

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