Call for support in monitoring the Asian tiger mosquito
On behalf of the Jena Health Department, expert Lars Möckel monitors mosquito species in the city, with a particular focus on the invasive Asian tiger mosquito. This mosquito species, which is increasingly spreading in Germany, has striking black and white stripes and is active during the day. The tiger mosquito can transmit diseases such as Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever to humans. The mosquito does not naturally carry the pathogen: however, if it bites a sick person, it can infect a healthy person with a subsequent bite.
The Asian tiger mosquito has not been sighted here since it was first detected in Jena in summer 2015. Nevertheless, monitoring remains important, as this mosquito is becoming increasingly common in many German cities. Lars Möckel sets up traps throughout the city for this purpose.
Jena, as one of the hottest and sunniest cities in Germany, is predestined for the establishment of new mosquito populations.
In order to get a better overview, the public health department is asking the citizens of Jena for their support.
If you catch a conspicuous mosquito, please proceed as follows:
- Wrap the mosquito in a new handkerchief.
- Put the handkerchief in an envelope.
- Write the location of the mosquito and its contact details on the envelope.
- Drop the envelope in one of the two mosquito mailboxes
- Health Department, Lutherplatz 3
- Phyletic Museum
The Health Department would like to thank all citizens for their support in the fight against the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito. The more that is known about the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito, the better measures can be taken to prevent its further spread.