In Innsbruck for the first time

Dangerous tiger mosquito detected in Tyrol

It looks menacing when enlarged. It is dangerous as a disease vector.

(Bild: JAN WOITAS / EPA / picturedesk.com)

The Asian tiger mosquito is feared as a carrier of serious diseases. It has now been detected in Innsbruck for the first time. The city must now take measures to be prepared for its spread. 

A total of around 50 different species of mosquito have appeared in Austria to date. One of the most feared is the Asian tiger mosquito. As an exotic and foreign mosquito, it increases the risk of spreading (sub-)tropical infectious diseases such as West Nile fever, dengue fever, Zika virus infection or Chikungunya fever. Most diseases cannot be transmitted by domestic mosquitoes.

We have to be prepared for the fact that tropical mosquito species are also spreading in the Innsbruck area.

Ulrich Schweigmann, Leiter des städtischen Gesundheitsamtes

Location in the west of the provincial capital
The city administration of Innsbruck is definitely alarmed. After a report at the end of August, the authorities are certain that an Asian tiger mosquito has been detected in the Tyrolean capital for the first time. "It was found in the Technikerstraße area", according to a press release. 

In other countries, heavy artillery is already being used to combat the spread.

(Bild: Sandra Sebastian / dpa / picturedesk.com)

Spread is feared
"We have to be prepared for the fact that tropical mosquito species are also spreading in the Innsbruck area. The tiger mosquito has already been detected in Austria for several years, especially in Styria. With the significant increase in annual hot days and tropical nights, Tyrol is also increasingly finding ideal living conditions for tropical mosquitoes," explains Ulrich Schweigmann, head of the municipal health department.

Surveillance and control
According to the report, the city is now setting up a mosquito surveillance system. "By working closely with AGES and the Tyrolean Health Directorate, we are creating a solid basis for taking the necessary protective measures and preventing potential health risks," emphasizes BM Johannes Anzengruber. The aim is to gather information on the distribution of mosquito species and to be prepared for tropical diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile fever or malaria, which can be transmitted by these mosquitoes, in the event of an emergency. 

Better to report than to fight them yourself
The private use of insect sprays and other insecticides is strongly discouraged, as they are often ineffective, pollute the environment and can also be harmful to health. The authorities refer to the free "Mosquito Alert" app. It allows the public to photograph mosquitoes they find and send in photos, as well as the mosquitoes themselves, for identification. This allows effective measures to be taken quickly.