Considered one of the most dangerous types of mosquito in the world, the dreaded tiger mosquito has invaded Europe and now could have Poland in its sights.
Hailing from the tropical rainforests of south-east Asia, the first mention of the tiger mosquito dates from 1895. Identifiable by the light stripes found on their abdomen and legs, the invasive species has since spread aggressively through the world - including Northern Europe.
Measuring from two to ten millimeters, the tiger mosquito has been known to infect people with dengue, yellow fever, zika and West Nile fever.
First recorded in Europe in 1979, the insect has made steady inroads north. With temperatures rising, the insect has proven increasingly resistant to European winters and has been able to gain a foothold in several countries: including France and Germany.
In the case of the former, authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure the Paris Olympics will be free of tiger mosquitos. Awareness campaigns have been launched and traps laid. Organizers are also working to reduce the number of areas in which water can stagnate. In Germany, meanwhile, the end of April saw officials in Munich issue a warning to the public after two cases were reported.
Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Poland, scientists fear that the country’s climatic conditions could soon place the nation in the insects sight.
Measuring from two to ten millimeters, the tiger mosquito has been known to infect people with dengue, yellow fever, zika and West Nile fever.
First recorded in Europe in 1979, the insect has made steady inroads north. With temperatures rising, the insect has proven increasingly resistant to European winters and has been able to gain a foothold in several countries: including France and Germany.
In the case of the former, authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure the Paris Olympics will be free of tiger mosquitos. Awareness campaigns have been launched and traps laid. Organizers are also working to reduce the number of areas in which water can stagnate. In Germany, meanwhile, the end of April saw officials in Munich issue a warning to the public after two cases were reported.
Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Poland, scientists fear that the country’s climatic conditions could soon place the nation in the insects sight.
Source: WP.pl / Science in Poland
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