Sandflies New disease carriers in Hesse

Tropical infectious diseases: sandflies discovered in Hesse

08/05/2014

After a sandfly species was first discovered in Hesse, experts are concerned: It is believed that the small bloodsuckers could transmit dangerous infectious diseases such as leishmaniasis.

So far the northernmost find of the sandfly species
Sandflies, which are considered potential transmitters of the dangerous infectious disease leishmaniasis, continue to penetrate north and have now arrived in Hesse. According to a message from the dpa news agency, Sven Klimpel from the Biodiversity and Climate Research Center (BiK-F) said: „We have now discovered a sandfly species within Hesse for the first time.“ The center belongs to the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung and the Frankfurt Goethe University. The professor explained that this species had never been found so far north. The insect had been detected in a nationwide mosquito monitoring near Giessen.

Mosquito can probably transmit infectious diseases
Klimpel explained: „It is the sandfly species Phlebotomus mascittii“, she was found about 500 meters away from inhabited houses. Although it has not yet been clearly proven that this species serves as a carrier for infectious diseases, the assumption lies „she can do it“. The bite of the sandflies is in itself harmless, but the possible transmission of the infectious disease leishmaniasis is bad. This illness is caused by unicellular organisms (Protozoa). The insects must suck for transmission in an infected blood and then transfer their saliva with the pathogens to a healthy at the next meal in the blood.

Symptoms depend on the type of leishmaniasis
The symptoms that can trigger an infection depend on the type of leishmaniasis, a distinction is made between internal leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucosal leishmaniasis (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis). They range from rather uncharacteristic symptoms such as headache, lymphadenopathy, fever, acute abdominal pain or diarrhea to typical signs. For example, leishmaniasis can cause self-healing skin ulcers, affect the nasopharyngeal area or cause severe liver, spleen or bone marrow damage that could be fatal.

Avoid mosquito bites
To protect yourself from possible diseases, mosquito bites should be avoided as much as possible. In addition to the use of mosquito repellent sprays, it offers, among other things, clothing that is tightly woven and light in color. Long sleeves are additional protection. The apartment has mosquito screens and mosquito nets to keep the bloodsuckers away. Those who want to get along without chemicals can resort to home remedies such as cloves and lemons. (Ad)