Complications
The complications of a bite from an Asian tiger mosquito usually only arise if the animal was previously infected with a pathogen. This concerns above all the Dengue or Chikungunya virus, which occurs mainly in tropical climates. A spreading of the Zika virus by the Asian tiger mosquito is currently still being discussed.
Dengue fever usually develops two to seven days after the bite and manifests itself in flu-like symptoms. It leads to fever and chills, as well as limb, joint and headaches. About five days later, swelling of the lymph nodes and an exanthema (extensive skin rash) appear.
Chikungunya fever also manifests itself as fever and chills. The main symptom of this disease is the severe joint pain, which leads to a stooping gait and has given the disease its name (Chikungunya = the stooped). Provided that the disease is treated with sufficient fluid intake and possibly antipyretic and analgesic drugs, it will disappear after a few days to weeks.
However, in vulnerable groups of people (children, old people, immunocompromised people) the disease can be much worse and even fatal. This could also be interesting for you: Asian (Japanese) bush mosquito After every insect bite there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction. At first, nausea and dizziness occur, but these can also develop into circulatory weakness and shortness of breath up to shock.
Is there an inoculation?
The two diseases most commonly transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito are dengue fever and chikungunya fever. The first vaccines against dengue were approved in 2015, but they are mainly available in affected regions such as Asia and South America. In 2016, a study showed that the vaccine protected 100% of vaccinated individuals against dengue fever and the related Zika virus.
In Germany, the vaccine is expected to be on the market by 2019. There is currently no vaccine available against Chikungunya Fever. A vaccine consisting of individual parts of the Chikungunya virus is currently being tested and is showing promise in the first trials.
The Asian tiger mosquito and the Zika virus
A possible transmission of the Zika virus by the Asian tiger mosquito is suspected. The symptoms are comparable to a common flu. Fever and muscle and headaches as well as joint problems are the result.
In addition, conjunctivitis can occur. The symptoms last for about two to seven days. Compared to other diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, an infection with the Zika virus is rather mild.
In most cases, the disease can be cured by bed rest and a lot of fluid intake. It can become dangerous if the Zika infection triggers the Guillain-Barré syndrome. This manifests itself in limb and back pain and can lead to symmetrical paralysis of the pelvic, trunk and respiratory muscles.
The complaints are based on an infestation of the nervous system and can have serious to life-threatening consequences. Furthermore, a Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to severe damage to the child.
