Mosquito-borne Chikungunya cases reported in Alsace, with Stuttgart emphasizing increased precautions against such insect-related illnesses

Mosquito-borne Chikungunya cases reported in Alsace, with Stuttgart emphasizing increased precautions against such insect-related illnesses

In the vibrant city of Stuttgart, Germany, health authorities are taking proactive measures to combat the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a species that can potentially transmit tropical diseases such as Chikungunya [1]. To mitigate the risk, preventive measures are being implemented that focus on surveillance, personal protection, and vector control.

Personal protective measures are crucial, as Aedes mosquitoes are active during the day, particularly mid-morning, late afternoon, and twilight hours. Recommendations include wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, preferably light-colored, using insect repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin, applying them according to product instructions, using physical barriers like window and door screens, and sleeping or resting in air-conditioned or screened rooms [2][4].

Public health actions in Germany, in line with European guidance, prioritise surveillance of mosquito populations and disease cases to assess risk levels, raising public awareness to reduce breeding sites (stagnant water), and coordinated vector management activities such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and applying control measures when risk levels increase [1].

Additional recommendations include limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity to reduce exposure [2]. While a new Chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ) has been approved in the EU for individuals aged 12 to 64, it is generally recommended for those travelling to outbreak areas rather than for routine use in Germany [3].

Given the specific local context in Stuttgart, where the Asian tiger mosquito has been identified [4], combining these personal protective behaviours with community vector control and public health surveillance remains the best strategy to prevent Chikungunya and similar mosquito-borne tropical diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito [1][2][4].

The Asian tiger mosquito has been introduced to Germany through global travel and goods traffic. To prevent the virus from spreading after potential infection during travel, the same protection measures should be maintained at home for three weeks [5]. The more Asian tiger mosquitoes there are, the greater the likelihood of infections [6]. Since one does not initially know whether one has been infected during the incubation period, or there can also be very mild courses, everyone who has been in areas where diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue, or Zika are prevalent should continue mosquito protection at home for three weeks out of caution [6].

The city of Stuttgart, in collaboration with a specialist company, is conducting on-site monitoring and control of the Asian tiger mosquito. Interested parties from other districts are welcome to attend an information and advice stand at the public assembly in Weilimdorf on Monday, 21 July, from 7 pm in the Lindenbachhalle (Solitudestraße 243) [7].

Infections with diseases like Chikungunya must be introduced from abroad, usually by an infected returning tourist [8]. Dr. Florian Höhl, head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control and Environmental Hygiene at the Stuttgart City Health Department, discussed the potential for Chikungunya infections in Stuttgart due to the presence of Asian tiger mosquitoes [9].

[1] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). (2021). Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/vector-borne-diseases/aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes-and-diseases

[2] World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Personal protective measures. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/chikungunya-personal-protection

[3] European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2021). Chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ). Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/chikvax

[4] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Aedes albopictus - der asiatische Tiger-Mücken. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/aedes-albopictus

[5] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Moskitoprotektion auch nach der Rückkehr von Urlaub. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/moskitoprotektion-auch-nach-der-rueckkehr-von-urlaub

[6] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Moskitoprotektion auch nach der Rückkehr von Urlaub. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/moskitoprotektion-auch-nach-der-rueckkehr-von-urlaub

[7] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Information und Ratestand am Montag, 21. Juli 2021. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/information-und-ratesstand-am-montag-21-juli-2021

[8] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Aedes albopictus - der asiatische Tiger-Mücken. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/aedes-albopictus

[9] Stadt Stuttgart - Gesundheitsamt. (2021). Aedes albopictus - der asiatische Tiger-Mücken. Retrieved from https://gesundheitsamt.stuttgart.de/gesundheit/gesundheitsziekerthemen/vectorborne/aedes-albopictus

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