2023-07-02 09:06:56
Title: Increasing Threat of Asian Tiger Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Germany
Subtitle: Experts warn of potential transmission of dangerous pathogens as mosquito populations continue to spread
Date: [Current Date]
Mosquito species in Germany have become increasingly difficult to differentiate for the general public, raising concerns about the source of the annoying buzzing sound. Determining whether a mosquito is a native species or an Asian tiger mosquito is vital, as the latter has the ability to transmit dangerous pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses through its bites.
According to the Friedrich-Löffler-Institut, the Asian tiger mosquito, originally from the tropics, has been rapidly spreading in southern Europe and parts of Central Europe since the 1990s. It was first detected in Germany in 2014, and populations have now firmly established themselves, particularly in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Berlin, according to mosquito expert Doreen Werner from the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF).
Thus far, no cases have been reported in Germany where diseases have been transmitted by tiger mosquitoes present in the country. However, experts believe that it is only a matter of time due to climate change. In regions like the south of France, Zika infections from native tiger mosquitoes have been reported, and dengue infections have been confirmed in places like Madeira, Croatia, and France. Chikungunya outbreaks have also occurred in the Mediterranean region.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently issued a warning regarding the increasing risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The Asian tiger mosquito continues to spread further north and west in Europe. Within the past decade, the number of affected regions in the European Economic Area (EEA) has nearly tripled. These white-striped mosquitoes prefer small water reservoirs, such as saucers of flowerpots, making them particularly prevalent in urban areas, including major cities like Berlin.
While the presence of mosquitoes is a factor in disease transmission, it is also dependent on environmental conditions. For instance, Zika viruses require higher temperatures, rarely reached in Germany so far, to multiply in mosquitoes. In contrast, the dengue virus can multiply even at moderate temperatures. Dengue infection can lead to long-lasting joint problems, often mistaken for rheumatic diseases.
In addition to exotic mosquitoes, native mosquitoes in Germany can also potentially carry dangerous diseases. In 2019, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported cases of West Nile virus infections in sick individuals, indicating transmission by native mosquitoes. Since the pathogen can overwinter in mosquitoes in Germany, experts anticipate an increasing number of cases, with the possibility of larger outbreaks. These outbreaks have already been occurring in southern and southeast European countries for years.
Last year, the RKI detected 17 cases of West Nile virus infections in Germany, compared to four cases in the previous year. However, in 80% of cases, West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, making them hard to identify. Mild, non-specific symptoms like fever or skin rash may also go unnoticed. Severe and fatal cases primarily affect older individuals with pre-existing conditions, whereas only about 1% of infections lead to severe neuroinvasive diseases. Given that tests are usually conducted in severe cases, an alarmingly high number of annual infections can be presumed for Germany.
Tomas Jelinek, a tropical medicine specialist, reassures the public that concerns about every mosquito bite are currently exaggerated. He emphasizes that while diseases such as West Nile virus can occur, mass occurrences in Germany are unlikely. However, smaller outbreaks of West Nile virus are probable in the future.
The timeline for the first dengue infections transmitted by tiger mosquitoes in Germany remains unclear. Destroying existing mosquito populations is crucial, as highlighted by Doreen Werner. As head of the mosquito atlas since 2012, Werner examines mosquito findings from all over Germany. She encourages citizens to capture any mosquitoes they come across, to freeze them, and send them to her and her team for further examination.
Berlin, the northernmost location in Germany where tiger mosquitoes have been found, has already experienced their presence. In 2019, the first specimen reached the institute by mail from an allotment garden in the Treptow-Köpenick district. Subsequent findings have confirmed their presence. Werner emphasizes that the adaptability of the mosquito is so advanced that it can withstand German winters.
While no tiger mosquitos have been reported this year so far, it is not surprising. The mosquito season typically begins from late June or early July and lasts until September or October, depending on temperature conditions. It seems inevitable that invasive mosquito species will continue to increase in occurrence, making education and prevention crucial in managing the threat they pose.
In conclusion, as Asian tiger mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases continue to spread in Germany, experts warn of the potential transmission of dangerous pathogens. While concerns about every mosquito bite may be exaggerated, it is crucial to take preventive measures and destroy mosquito populations to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. With climate change and increased global travel, vigilance and education are key to effectively combatting the growing threat.]
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