“Protecting Yourself from Tiger Mosquito Bites: What You Need to Know”

One thing is certain: the males are harmless. It is the female mosquitoes that become a threat. New mosquito species have emerged in Germany in recent years, including the Asian tiger mosquito. Some of the new arrivals are not only aggressive and annoying, but can also transmit tropical diseases. But how likely is that? That’s what experts say.

Contents:

1. How dangerous is the tiger mosquito?

2. How widespread is the tiger mosquito in BW?

3. Do mosquitoes transmit tropical diseases here too?

4. What if you get stung?

5. What is the risk of getting sick after the sting?

6. How can you protect yourself?

7. Send mosquitoes – how does that work?

Her reputation as the “deadliest animal in the world” precedes her. This is how Microsoft founder Bill Gates had it in 2014 („The deadliest animal in the world“) called. The Asian tiger mosquito, shown in black and white, is a potential carrier of various pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya or zika viruses and, as a result of climate change, is also increasingly found in Central Europe. The diseases caused by these viruses are not yet widespread in Germany, but the corresponding pathogens are repeatedly brought in by travelers returning.

A typical cycle of infection can then occur: the infected people serve as a reservoir for the previously uninfected mosquitoes to pass on the virus. And infinitely often. Because an infected mosquito can transmit the virus for the rest of its life. The tiger mosquito is an aggressive mosquito that also bites during the day – and not only at dusk. It is considered a poor flyer, usually staying close to the ground.

According to statements by the State Health Office, populations of tiger mosquitoes have been detected and combated in several cities in Baden-Württemberg in recent years: Heidelberg, Weinheim, Karlsruhe, district of Lörrach and Freiburg. In addition, there were various egg clutches along the A5, especially at rest stops and campsites. New areas are added regularly, as in 2020 in Stuttgart, Korntal-Münchingen, Kernen in the Remstal and in Hockenheim. The tiger mosquito likes to make itself at home in allotment gardens or on campsites – wherever smaller and larger, natural and artificial, water vessels are available for laying eggs. Urban residential areas with gardens are also attractive.

Scientists give in an article in the specialist magazine „Royal Society Open Science“ indicate that the Asian tiger mosquito was introduced to Europe in the 1970s and is now present in more than 20 countries on the continent. So far there has been no known case of tropical diseases transmitted by tiger mosquitoes in Germany. In neighboring countries, however, yes.

In southern France, for example, Zika infections from tiger mosquitoes native to the region have been reported several times. There have been proven dengue infections in Madeira, Croatia and France, for example. Chikungunya outbreaks have also occurred in the Mediterranean region. For some years there are also from the east of Germany Reports of people contracting West Nile Virus have: However, these pathogens were not transmitted by tiger mosquitoes, but by the domestic house mosquito.

The bite of a tiger mosquito is similar to that of a normal mosquito: the affected area of ​​the skin turns red and starts to itch. However, if three to seven days after the mosquito bite you suddenly develop a high fever with chills, exhaustion and, above all, very severe headache, joint and muscle pain, you should consult a doctor to have the cause clarified.

As the Municipal action group to combat the mosquito plague (Kabs) currently reports, there is no need to worry about tropical diseases at the moment: Viruses in tiger mosquitoes can only multiply on very warm days and nights. “Nothing will happen in that direction before the summer,” said a spokeswoman. The probability of a tropical disease transmitted by a tiger mosquito is still very low in Germany.

Since there is no vaccination against some of the tropical diseases such as the West Nile virus or Chikungunya fever, this is recommended Center for Travel Medicine as a prophylaxis, to use an efficient mosquito repellent until autumn. This includes mosquito repellent sprays, mosquito nets and long-sleeved shirts and trousers. A new live vaccine against dengue fever for adults, adolescents and children over the age of four has been approved in the EU since December 2022. It protects against infection, but also against a severe course with hospitalization. The vaccine has been available in Germany since mid-February 2023.

In order to be able to combat mosquitoes, scientists are trying to find out which species are common where. The so-called also helps them in this mosquito atlas, in which everyone can take part: catch a mosquito intact, for example with a glass. Then freeze the mosquito, put it in a matchbox and send it. On the website of the Mosquito Atlas (https://mueckenatlas.com/mueckenjaeger-werden/)you will find a form to print out, on which the catch date, catch location and your own contact details can be noted. Send both the mosquito and the form by post to the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Research, keyword “Mosquito Atlas”, Eberswalder Str. 84m, 15374 Müncheberg.