Gelsen can become so dangerous for us • NEWS.AT

Gelsenstiche are not only unpleasant, they could become a real danger to us sooner or later. Why? This explains the expert in medical parasitology.

Two types of mosquitoes could be dangerous in this country. There is the Asian tiger mosquito. Native to Southeast Asia, he has now expanded his habitat to parts of southern Europe. Similarly on Germany. Still in Austria, she was already seen. However, she could not settle here until now. According to Prof. dr. Horst Aspöck of the Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine of the Vienna Medical Center, however, is only a matter of time before she does it.

The tiger mosquito is considered an excellent transmitter of viruses. A few years ago she caused a Chikungunya outbreak in northern Italy. The so-called Chikungunya fever is a tropical infectious disease badociated with fever, rash and joint discomfort. Permanent damage and death are rare. During the outbreak in Italy, she declared a fatality. In Austria, there have been no such cases. However, according to the expert, the mosquito and the virus can be affected.

The second potentially dangerous mosquito species for us is the Asian bush mosquito. Among other things, he transmits West Nile virus. An infection usually occurs without major complications. In the United States, this virus has claimed hundreds of lives since 1999. It becomes dangerous when it affects the central nervous system of the person concerned. "Anyone who is bitten by mosquitoes in Central Europe and gets sick after three to seven days should be examined if possible for West Nile virus infection," advises the expert in medical parasitology.

No medication

Chikungunya virus and West Nile virus are also transmitted by mosquitoes. Although it was eradicated in Germany in the 1950s and 1960s thanks to the good health system, some of the local mosquitoes still have the potential to transmit malaria to humans, as Hans-Peter Fuehrer points out. from the University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna. While malaria can be treated with drugs, this is not the case with Chikungunya virus and West Nile virus infection.

» The danger is that of imported viruses, against which we have neither vaccine nor medicine «

«The danger is the imported tropical viruses, against which we are not sure. We have neither vaccine nor drugs, "warns Mr Aspöck. They are likely to bring us many surprises this century. Promoted by "climate change and global warming, increasing global population and increasing globalization through voluntary or forced migration as well as the transportation of animals, plants and goods." In addition, there are approximately one billion travelers a year. Ideal conditions for the elimination of pathogens and their transmitters, especially tropical and subtropical areas.