Definition
The Asian or Japanese bush mosquito is native to parts of China, Korea and Japan and can transmit diseases to animals and humans through its bite. In recent years, the insect has been introduced to other parts of the world and has spread to North America and also to some regions in Europe. Within Germany, the bush mosquito has settled in the Upper Rhine and the Spreewald.
How dangerous is she?
In most cases, a mosquito bite from the Asian bush mosquito is harmless and only causes swelling and itching. In rare cases, however, the bite can also transmit a pathogen, so that flu-like symptoms usually occur initially. In individual cases, more serious consequences such as meningitis or nerve damage can also occur.
Feared transmitted diseases are the so-called Japanese Encephalitis, i.e. an inflammation of the brain tissue, and the “West Nile Fever“. The best way to protect yourself in affected regions of Asia is to use the usual insect repellents. The animals that have spread to Europe and North America are not likely to pose a danger and special protective measures are therefore not necessary.
What does the bite of an Asian bush mosquito look like?
After a bite by the Asian (Japanese) bush mosquito, a slight inflammatory reaction occurs in the affected area. As a result, a mostly round swelling and redness develops. If one scratches the area because of the itching, the swelling and redness are even more intense.
However, it is not possible to distinguish the mosquito bite caused by the Asian bush mosquito from the bite caused by another mosquito species. The bite or sting of other insects also usually looks very similar. Likewise, allergic reactions, irritations caused by sunlight or skin symptoms after contact with certain plants can look very similar.
Symptoms accompanying a sting
If you are stung by the Asian bush mosquito, it is – as with most insect bites – primarily an itching at the affected area. The mosquito bite can also be slightly painful. The symptoms usually do not differ from those of a normal mosquito bite.
However, since the Asian bush mosquito can also transmit a pathogenic virus in extremely rare cases, flu-like symptoms can also occur. These include, for example, fatigue, aching limbs or headaches and slight fever. In very rare cases, nerve damage and meningitis may also occur.
Possible accompanying symptoms are then for example disturbances of consciousness or a stiffening of the neck muscles. In the case of such symptoms as a result of a mosquito bite, the family doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. In addition, an allergic reaction after a mosquito bite could occur, especially if you are generally prone to allergic reactions quickly. In addition to nausea and dizziness, circulatory problems and shortness of breath can also occur. If you suspect an allergic reaction, you should consult your doctor.