Tiger mosquitoes have managed to overwinter in eight Belgian municipalities, according to the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine and Belgian health science institute Sciensano. These bodies are calling on the public at large to report tiger mosquito sightings so that the population in our country can be mapped out.
Tiger mosquitoes established in eight Belgian municipalities: ‘Don't bring them home in your car’
Colin Clapson
Published:
Until a few years ago, the tiger mosquito was at most an (unwelcome) summer visitor in our climes. If it did appear in Belgium, it was because it had hitched a ride from the south by car or plane. These stowaways did not survive our harsher winters.
Due to our increased travel and climate change with its milder winters, the tiger mosquito is gradually gaining a foothold in Belgium. Since the beginning of this year, the insect is present in a further three municipalities: Sint-Joost-ten-Node (Brussels), Wijnegem (Antwerp) and Hoegaarden (Flemish Brabant). This means the mosquito is now present in eight municipalities with established populations.
So far, since May this year, members of the public have reported the presence of tiger mosquitoes in six municipalities. These tiger mosquitoes may not have always overwintered here. Some may also be new arrivals.
Four municipalities are located in Flanders (Hoegaarden, Leuven (Flemish Brabant), Merelbeke-Melle (East Flanders) and Wijnegem), one is in Wallonia (Ath) and one is in Brussels (Etterbeek).
Report tiger mosquitoes!
‘We are very pleased that members of the public are reporting sightings of tiger mosquitoes,’ says Javiera Rebolledo Romero, epidemiologist at Sciensano. ‘This is essential for monitoring the presence and spread of the species in Belgium. The tiger mosquito can transmit viruses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika.’
‘The tiger mosquito season is not over yet, and Sciensano and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp are still counting on the public's participation to support their monitoring efforts.’
‘We are also aware that tiger mosquitoes can travel via passenger and freight traffic from holiday destinations in southern Europe to Belgium. We encourage people returning by car to remain alert and take precautions so that they do not unintentionally bring these exotic mosquitoes home with them.’