Red alert: Asian tiger mosquito threatens Rosenheim!

Red alert: Asian tiger mosquito threatens Rosenheim!

The issue of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the associated health risks have increasingly come into focus in recent years. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), together with the Rosenheim Health Department, observed the spread of this mosquito species in the summer months of 2024 and 2025. The locations for monitoring are the Samerberg North and South service areas and the Rohrdorf municipality. There have already been discoveries in the Inn Valley in the past during a pilot study from 2012 to 2013 and a Bavaria-wide investigation in the summer of 2023, reported [rosenheim24.de].

The Asian tiger mosquito is characterized by its approximately 10 mm size and the striking black and white ringed pattern on the legs and body. Although it originally comes from Southeast Asia, its spread is favored by climate change, global tourism and international trade in goods. This has meant that it can now also be found in Germany, but has not yet transmitted any local cases of dengue viruses, according to welt.de.

Health risk dengue fever

The Asian tiger mosquito is a known vector of the dengue virus, which was widespread for decades primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. However, documented dengue cases are becoming increasingly common in Europe, including countries such as France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia. An alarming example is the 213 locally acquired cases in Italy in 2024, an increase compared to only 82 cases in 2023, according to information from [rosenheim24.de].

Infections are increasing worldwide: According to deutschlandfunk.de, by September 2024 there had already been 13 million dengue infections, resulting in around 8,500 deaths. Dengue fever can manifest itself as high fever, severe headaches and joint pain; in rare cases it is life-threatening. Interestingly, researchers have already found that around 19% of dengue cases in heavily affected countries are closely linked to climate change.

Precautionary measures and education

A total of 12 Asian tiger mosquitoes and 2 eggs were found in Rosenheim in 2024, while there were already 5 finds in 2025. The mosquitoes from 2024 probably come from different lineages and were probably imported individually. It is positive that no stable, viable tiger mosquito population has yet been identified in the Rosenheim district. However, in order to prevent it from spreading, the authority is appealing to citizens to take action themselves. Prevention tips include avoiding standing water accumulation and regularly emptying water in paddling pools, bird baths and saucers, as welt.de reports.

It is also possible to send suspicious mosquito specimens to the LGL for typing or to consult the “Mosquito Atlas”. These partner offers support the identification and control of invasive mosquito species. A study from Brazil shows that innovative approaches such as infecting mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium could also help combat the virus in the future.