Mosquito bites with dangerous consequences: How to protect yourself from the Asian tiger mosquito

The Asian tiger mosquito can transmit dangerous viruses. It is also spreading in Germany. How to recognize them, fight them and treat bites.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Stegomyia albopicta/Aedes albopictus) thrives in a mild and very humid climate. The bloodsucker can be recognized by the striking black and white pattern.

There are around 50 species of mosquitoes in Germany, including the Asian tiger mosquito. The animals, which are already widespread in Italy, came to Germany in recent years through long-distance travel. The warmth-loving tiger mosquito was first discovered at the end of September 2007 at a rest area on Autobahn 5 near Weil am Rhein (Baden-Württemberg).

There is evidence of the mosquito in Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Berlin and Freiburg, among others. They can also occur along the Hockenheim-Koblenz (A61) and Saarbrücken-Mannheim (A6) autobahns. The tiger mosquito has already overwintered in three federal states: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia.

In principle, the bites of the tiger mosquito are no worse or more painful than those of native mosquitoes. After the bite, the skin itches and there is redness and swelling at the bite site.

See a doctor if the sting is very large and feels hot. This could indicate a serious allergic reaction or inflammation.

Mosquito bites – no matter what kind – can generally become inflamed by scratching. Therefore, you should treat a tiger mosquito bite as follows:

1. Do not scratch. This is because you open the door to germs and risk infection.
2. A brief heat treatment can provide relief. First, place a hot washcloth on the sting or use a sting healer.
3. After that, cool the stitch. Cold water or even your own saliva is a first aid measure. You can relieve the swelling and pain with ice cubes or cooling pads, as well as ointments and cooling gels. Onions or lemons can also help. Simply apply the juice to the wound.

The bite of a tiger mosquito can be dangerous if the mosquito is infected with pathogens. Because the mosquito, which comes from the tropics, can transmit more than 20 types of virus.

This includes dengue fever – a disease that can be fatal for people with weakened health. So far, there is no medication or vaccination against it. In 2016, more than 950 cases of dengue fever were reported to the Robert Koch Institute, more than ever before. So far, however, those affected have been infected abroad.

Other diseases that can be transmitted by the tiger mosquito include:

• Chikungunya fever
• yellow fever
• West Nile fever
• Zika disease

The symptoms of the diseases listed are similar to a flu infection. This can lead to a high fever as well as headaches and body aches, exhaustion or vomiting.

Even in your own garden you can take action against the reproduction of the mosquito and thus prevent the spread of the tiger mosquito. The following must be observed: