Press
The Asian tiger mosquito, the vector of dengue fever, is increasingly finding its way to Europe. Experts warn of infections in view of the holiday season.
Munich – Although dengue fever is often referred to as a typical tropical disease, it is no longer limited to southern regions. The carriers of the so-called “bone crusher fever” are spreading more and more – the Asian tiger mosquito is now also at home in Europe. In addition, the dengue virus is brought into Germany by travelers.
Dengue cases are increasing worldwide – record outbreak in Brazil
The number of cases worldwide is currently increasing sharply, as the Tropical Institute informs. Examples of this include the Indonesian island of Bali and Brazil, where the largest and most severe eruption in history was recorded at the end of March 2024. According to that National Ministry of Health Since the beginning of the year, 1.9 million dengue virus infections have been registered in the South American country.
The heavy rains and high temperatures of the last few months could be responsible for the increase. The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) can develop particularly well under these conditions. Climate change is also contributing to the spread of insects in European countries.
Crisis early warning service sounds the alarm about dengue in southern Europe
The crisis early warning service A3M already fears more “autochthonous infections” with the deadly virus and is calling for particular vigilance. “The situation in southern Europe is certainly worrying,” A3M analyst Marcel Conrad told the tourism portal fvw.de. “The combination of the vector mosquito, sufficient virus carriers in the population and suitable climatic conditions creates an ideal environment for the spread of dengue fever.”
What are autochthonous infections?
These are infections that occur outside of a region typical for transmission. The pathogen, here the dengue virus, is actually native to tropical countries such as Brazil or Southeast Asia.
Source: RKI
According to the WHO, dengue outbreaks occur repeatedly, especially in popular holiday destinations such as Croatia, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. Last year, 82 cases were reported in Italy, the highest number in all of Europe.
Europe regularly reports new infections – what is dengue?
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) points out that the dengue virus is “the most common mosquito-borne human pathogen worldwide.” “Human pathogen” means that the pathogen is a Illness can trigger in people. The disease manifests itself primarily with flu-like symptoms that appear approximately three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected Asian tiger mosquito.
- Sudden fever
- chills
- Severe headache, limb, joint and stomach pain
- skin rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
Source: MSD Manual
According to the RKI, however, dengue can also be fatal, especially after a second infection. Those affected suffer from persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, internal bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and shock. Therefore, a vaccination against dengue fever is often recommended after an initial infection has been overcome.
What is the best way to protect yourself from a dengue infection?
To protect yourself from a bite from the Asian tiger mosquito, which can transmit other dangerous diseases in addition to dengue fever, both locals and travelers should consistently and regularly use mosquito repellent during the holiday season.
Long clothing should be worn outdoors in particularly vulnerable areas. The risk of a dengue infection is significantly lower in air-conditioned rooms because, according to the RKI, mosquitoes avoid these rooms.
The Asian tiger mosquito is now also spreading in Bavaria. A city takes tough measures. (asc/dpa)
#Dengue #cases #rising #rapidly #numerous #holiday #destinations #affected