In mosquitoes in the Czech Republic, the dangerous West Nile virus was found

Pathogens: Dangerous West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in the Czech Republic

Years ago, the spread of West Nile virus in Europe was reported. Now, the dangerous pathogen has been detected in mosquitoes in the Czech Republic. Experts therefore advise always to pay attention to adequate mosquito repellent.

Dangerous pathogens detected

When the World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a list of diseases and pathogens that "pose a risk to public health and for which there are no or inadequate countermeasures", they also referred to diseases on their web site that " as before pose major public health problems "and require further research. One of these diseases is West Nile fever, caused by the West Nile virus. This pathogen has now been discovered in mosquitoes in the Czech Republic.

In the Czech Republic, the West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes. The bite of infected mosquitoes can also infect people with the dangerous pathogen. (Image: corlaffra / fotolia.com)

Popular travel destination

In the southeast of the Czech Republic, the dangerous West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes. According to a report in the newspaper MF Dnes, scientists identified the tropical virus in mosquitoes of the species Culex modestus.

As news agency dpa reports, these insects inhabit fish ponds in South Moravia. According to the information, the administrative region on the border with Austria is a popular destination for foreign cyclists and hikers.

According to the agency, Oldrich Sebesta of the Brno health authority said: "The risk of infection exists and everyone should think about insect repellent."

The expert assumes that the pathogen was introduced by migratory birds from Africa and then picked up by mosquitoes during a blood meal.

Symptoms are similar to those of a flu infection

As the CRM Center for Travel Medicine explains on its website, the virus "is normally transmitted back to birds by nocturnal mosquitoes".

People can get sick by the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms are similar to a flu infection.

According to experts, it comes after the bite in some people to fever, fatigue, vomiting, headache and muscle pain. Later, lymph node swelling sometimes occurs.

According to CRM, about one-third of sufferers in the chest, back and arms develop a rash that later heals without scaling. Also a brain or meningitis can be added.

"The disease can be fatal, especially in older people. The diagnosis is made by specific antibody test or virus detection, "the experts write.

No case of West Nile fever recorded this year

According to dpa, it was in the Czech Republic in 1997 after a prolonged flood period to proven infections in humans.

In other European countries, there are always isolated infections, for example, there were several infections in Greece last year.

According to the information, no case of West Nile fever has been reported by the European health authority ECDC this year.

Protect from mosquitoes

Health experts advise in affected regions to preventive mosquito repellent.

In addition to special mosquito sprays, there are other ways that can help against annoying mosquitoes.

So you can at home or in the tent insects by mosquito nets keep away and protect yourself in the open by bright, skin-covering clothing from stings.

According to various studies, the bloodsuckers are attracted by bad smell, like sweat or smelly socks. This should therefore be avoided.

The home remedies for mosquitoes include odors such as garlic or cabbage. (Ad)