These mosquitoes have become established in Europe. They spread a deadly disease. Get to know its symptoms
Europe is facing another problem. It is the growing number of tiger mosquitoes. There are more and more insects on the “old continent”. This is a very disturbing phenomenon. They can pose a deadly threat.
Epidemiologists are sounding the alarm. The presence of tiger (Asian) mosquitoes has already been reported in 13 European countries, including Spain, Greece and France. They also appeared in Germany. The problem, as experts indicate, may be getting worse. All because of rapidly progressing climate change. Check what threat tiger mosquitoes pose.
Why is the tiger mosquito dangerous?
Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) come from Southeast Asia. They differ in appearance from native ones – they are black and have silver and white stripes. Unfortunately, they can also be found more and more often in other parts of the world. Experts believe it has to do with global warming. Progressing climate changes favor the spread of insects also outside their natural habitat.
The increasing number of tiger mosquitoes in Europe has led to an increase in dengue cases. The disease is considered one of the fastest spreading viral infections in humans. Generally, the infection is asymptomatic. However, more and more cases of severe disease are being reported. The virus can cause many different ailments, such as:
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significant weakness,
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severe headaches, muscle and joint pain,
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conjunctivitis or pharyngitis,
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body rash,
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high fever (up to 40 degrees),
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gastric complaints (diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.).
The first symptoms usually appear 8-10 days after infection. As the disease progresses, hemorrhages may occur (from the nose, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, genital tract, etc.). The infection is particularly dangerous for children, seniors and patients with chronic diseases and immune deficiencies. Dengue often proves fatal.
How to protect yourself against dengue?
The most effective method of protection is caution. You should protect yourself against mosquito bites when traveling to countries where mosquitoes are encountered. It is worth using insect repellents (so-called repellents), wearing clothes that cover as much of the skin as possible and securing the place to sleep. This can be done, among other things, by using special nets for windows and doors, as well as mosquito nets.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a dengue vaccine for marketing. However, protective sunscreen is not for everyone. It can be taken by people between 9 and 60 years of age who have already been infected with the virus. The vaccine is recommended for people staying in areas that are the natural habitat of tiger mosquitoes.
