Published
Health: Luxembourg monitors the tiger mosquito, which does not settle
The Luxembourg health authorities continue to track down the Tiger mosquito, a vector of various diseases, of which cases have been reported to the Grand Duchy.
Chikungunya, Zika, dengue … The tiger mosquito is a vector of various viruses and Luxembourg, like its European neighbors, hunts him. If no indigenous case of these diseases was detected in Luxembourg, 19 travelers suffered from dengue in 2024, against ten in 2023 and two in 2022. And, for the first time, two cases of chikungunya and eight cases of Zika were declared last year, all linked to travel in areas where the virus circulates, indicates to Essential the Ministry of Health.
The implantation of the Tiger mosquito is strengthened in France and in the Grand Est, at our doors, but the insect (Aedes Albopictus, as scientists) “are not established in Luxembourg. He does not spend the winter there, it is only imported every summer by travelers, ”explains the Ministry of Health. His cousin Aedes Japanicus is implanted, but is a much less effective vector of viruses.
“Sporadic presence”
The health inspection, however, maintains active and passive monitoring of the tiger mosquito. Adult traps are installed at the airport and egg traps are placed at five entry points in the country, such as motorway areas, international bus stations or a campsite. Citizens can participate in surveillance via a “Mosquito Alert” app, available on App Store and Google Play, which allows you to send mosquitoes to report their presence to experts.
The tiger mosquito was spotted in Luxembourg for the first time in 2022. Last year, the presence of its eggs was detected 18 times between the beginning of summer and October 25, on 40% of the sites equipped with traps, “which indicates a still sporadic presence”, according to the ministry. Since the beginning of 2025, eggs have been found between June 7 and today, on 5% of equipped sites. The only adult mosquitoes reported were via the application, twice in 2024.
Precautions after a trip
An Aboriginal dengue epidemic occurred last year north of Paris. It was linked to travelers who returned sick and were stung by mosquitoes who then transmitted the virus to other people who had not traveled.
In this context, the Ministry of Health issues some recommendations, especially to people who return from travel and may have been exposed. In the event of the appearance of symptoms of illness (influenza symptoms, fever, headache, eruptions, neurological disorders …) on the return from vacation, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
And in the event of confirmed infection in dengue, Zika or Chikungunya, you must avoid as much as possible to be bitten by mosquitoes, to avoid spreading the disease. Doctors are invited to take into account the travel history in their diagnosis.
Are you already on WhatsApp?
Subscribe to our chain, activate the little one and you will receive a news recap every day in start of the evening.
(jw)