After the potentially dangerous Zika virus, another pathogen is coming to Germany. The West Nile virus is increasingly spreading nationwide. The reason for this: the dangerous tiger mosquito, which has successfully colonized Germany in recent years. How did this come about and is there now a threat of a wave of exotic diseases?
West Nile virus and Zika are transmitted exclusively by mosquitoes
The tiger mosquito is a species of insect native to the tropics that is spreading worldwide. The mosquito larvae are increasingly being brought to Europe on planes, ships and even in travelers' luggage. As temperatures have increased in recent years due to climate change, the larvae are able to survive the winter in central and northern Europe. The insects are dangerous because they can transmit not one but several diseases. This also includes the Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
All diseaseshave something in common: They have flu-like symptoms and are therefore difficult to diagnose. Doctors assume that the majority of cases in Germany are not correctly diagnosed and therefore not registered as tropical diseases. Under no circumstances should the diseases be underestimated, as they can lead to serious complications such as brain inflammation.
In old people, patients with other illnesses and infants, the disease could be life-threatening and, in individual cases, fatal. But there is still some good news: the viruses are not transmitted from person to person or from animals to people. Mosquito repellent is therefore essential in the warm season.
West Nile virus: The exact number of cases is unknown
Scientists suspect that the type of virus was first transmitted from birds to horses. The pathogen then became established and was transmitted from native mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes to other animals and people. In the fall, three patients with West Nile virus were treated in Germany. However, doctors assume that there will be many more cases next year.
