Overview
The spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is steadily increasing in Germany, and a population has already been detected in Bonn.
The first specimens, which have now hatched as temperatures rise, will multiply rapidly in the coming weeks. This species of mosquito is not only active during the day and loves to bite, but is also a possible carrier of some tropical viral diseases.
For Germany, the risk of transmission of such viruses to humans is currently still considered to be low. This assessment is based on the limited occurrence of the mosquito species to date and the low number of virus carriers.
The mosquito does not naturally carry the pathogens. However, infected hosts can be, for example, travelers who have been infected with the Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya virus while on vacation. No case of transmission has yet been confirmed in Germany. However, as average temperatures continue to rise and the Asian tiger mosquito spreads and multiplies, this can no longer be ruled out in the future. The spread of the tiger mosquito should therefore be contained in order to minimize the risk.
The public health department therefore appeals to all citizens to support the necessary measures. The tiger mosquito uses the smallest accumulations of water in gardens, allotments, cemeteries or balconies and terraces - for example flower stands, watering cans or rain barrels - as potential breeding sites. Even if these breeding sites dry out for a long time, the eggs do not die, but continue to develop into larvae and then into adult mosquitoes after renewed contact with water.
For this reason, these containers should be emptied and cleaned regularly or protected from moisture and rain barrels should be covered to protect them from mosquitoes. If these mosquitoes have not yet appeared in a residential area, but suspicious specimens have been sighted, they can be reported.