Climate and Mosquitoes: Set for a Swarm in Lower Saxony
Multitude of Mosquitoes Anticipated in Lower Saxony - Anticipated surge of mosquitoes in Lower Saxony
Gear up, folks! The state health authority forecasts a booming mosquito population this year. "The gentle winter ensures a mosquito swarm this year as well," a spokesperson told the German Press Agency, following our query. "Overall, climate change boosts mosquito habitats. Mild winters make it a breeze for mosquitoes to endure, and summers with heavy rains provide plenty of breeding opportunities for these bloodsuckers in waters and puddles," the spokesperson clarified. The common house mosquito (Culex pipiens) is particularly abundant.
There's no reason to panic, though. Usually, mosquito bites are just a nuisance. Disease transmission is rare. Inflamed bites often result from individuals scratching them, allowing grimy particles and bacteria to invade. To shield against bites, the health authority suggests donning long outfits and employing sprays that repel mosquitoes. "Garden owners can also hinder the propagation of mosquitoes by draining and drying potential breeding locales like watering cans or empty plant pots, or by hanging a protective net over the rain barrel," the spokesperson stated.
Exotic invasive mosquitoes in the North
Warmer summers and altered precipitation patterns have facilitated the spread of exotic mosquito species towards the North. Individual specimens of the tiger mosquito, seemingly migrated to Lower Saxony via people or goods transportation, have been spotted, as the spokesperson reported. "Established communities have yet to be confirmed at the locations of discovery," he stated. "However, it's anticipated that this species will also move into the northern federal states over the long haul."
The tiger mosquito is notorious for being active during the day. Many common mosquito species are active predominantly in the morning and evening hours. Due to this, new tiger mosquito colonies should be fought off.
West Nile Virus - Vaccination possible for horses
The West Nile virus, which surfaced in Germany since 2018, is among the viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. "So far, infections in birds, horses, and humans have mostly occurred in the eastern federal states," said the spokesperson for the state health authority. In 2024, the virus was first detected in Lower Saxony in three humans, and horses were also affected.
"This virus cannot be managed by mosquito control, as the common house mosquito, the primary transmitter, is ubiquitous here." According to the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, about 80 percent of West Nile virus infections in humans are asymptomatic.
Symptoms that occur can resemble a feverish cold. "In less than one percent of infected people, severe courses with meningitis or encephalitis may occur, which can be fatal in rare cases, especially in the elderly," the authority notes.
Even in horses, most infected animals do not exhibit symptoms. Some, however, suffer from severe neurological symptoms such as stumbling, paralysis, muscle tremors, and weakness. In some cases, the infection can be fatal. Therefore, vaccination is recommended for horses in affected areas. Currently, there is no vaccine available for humans.
- Mosquito
- Insect
- Climate
- Lower Saxony
- Virus
- West Nile Virus
- Horses
- Hanover
- German Press Agency
- The milder climate in Lower Saxony, caused by climate change, provides ideal conditions for the proliferation of various mosquito species, including the common house mosquito (Culex pipiens) and the exotic tiger mosquito.
- In addition to the common house mosquito, the tiger mosquito, known for its daytime activity, poses a unique challenge due to its spreading towards the North, facilitated by warmer summers and altered precipitation patterns.
- Vaccination is available for horses in Lower Saxony to prevent West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne virus that also affects humans, although no vaccine is currently available for humans.
