2023-07-02 09:10:00
Title: Rising Concerns over Infectious Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes as Climate Change Boosts Risks
Date: Jul 2, 2023
Berlin (dpa) – Mosquito bites may be annoying, but they pose a greater danger by transmitting potentially deadly pathogens. With the increasing risks attributed to climate change, infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are on the rise, although the number of cases in Germany still remains relatively low.
According to experts, distinguishing between different mosquito species in Germany is difficult for laypeople. This includes identifying whether the buzzing sound comes from a native mosquito or the Asian tiger mosquito, which has the capability to transmit dangerous viruses such as dengue and chikungunya.
Originally from the tropics, the Asian tiger mosquito has been rapidly spreading across southern Europe and parts of Central Europe since the 1990s. In Germany, the presence of the tiger mosquito was first detected in 2014 and there are now established populations mainly in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Berlin.
While Germany has not yet reported any cases of diseases transmitted by tiger mosquitoes living in the country, experts believe it is only a matter of time before it occurs, given the impact of climate change. In contrast, regions in southern France have already recorded Zika infections transmitted by native tiger mosquitoes. Dengue and chikungunya outbreaks have also occurred in the Mediterranean region.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently issued a warning about the increasing risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The spreading of the Asian tiger mosquito further north and west in Europe has led to a nearly tripled number of affected regions within the European Economic Area (EEA) in the past decade. These mosquitoes are attracted to urban areas, including major cities like Berlin, and often utilize small water reservoirs for breeding.
Transmission of diseases depends not only on the presence of mosquitoes but also on specific environmental conditions. Zika viruses, for instance, require high temperatures to effectively multiply within the mosquitoes, which have rarely been reached in Germany until now. Conversely, the dengue virus can multiply even at moderate temperatures. This pathogen is known to cause long-lasting joint problems, often misdiagnosed as rheumatic diseases.
In addition to exotic mosquitoes, native mosquitoes in Germany have also been identified as potential carriers of dangerous diseases. In 2019, Germany recorded its first cases of West Nile virus infections, which originally originated from Africa. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) expects an increasing number of cases, including larger seasonal outbreaks of the disease, as the virus can hibernate within native mosquitoes in Germany.
The recent data from the RKI revealed that 17 cases of West Nile infections were reported in Germany last year, compared to only 4 cases the previous year. Despite the majority of infections being symptomless, some individuals developed mild, non-specific symptoms such as fever or skin rash. However, severe and fatal cases are more likely to affect older individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Although concerns about every mosquito bite are currently considered exaggerated, tropical medicine specialist Tomas Jelinek emphasizes the potential for smaller outbreaks of West Nile virus in Germany. Nevertheless, it is crucial to eliminate existing mosquito populations. The public is encouraged to report mosquito findings to Doreen Werner and her team at the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) to aid in monitoring and prevention efforts.
The rising prevalence of the Asian tiger mosquito and other invasive mosquito species in Germany has raised questions about the need for heightened education and prevention. The adaptability of these mosquitoes to Germany’s climate suggests that their population will continue to expand, highlighting the importance of effective measures to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
Sources:
– Friedrich Löffler Institute for the Asian Tiger Mosquito
– Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on West Nile fever
– Mosquito Atlas
– Treptow-Köpenick District Office on the Asian tiger mosquito
– Lageso Berlin on measures against the Asian tiger mosquito
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