With our French neighbors, the concern rises concerning the Chikungunya virus. Transmitted by the tiger mosquito, the virus is gaining ground everywhere in Europe.
So should we worry about it in Belgium? For the moment, no cases has been detected, unlike France, where eight cases have been confirmed. However, our health authorities remain attentive to the evolution of the situation. Recall that the tiger mosquito has been seen in certain provinces such as Hainaut, Limburg or Walloon Brabant.
Like every summer, the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp and Sciensano strengthen the surveillance of these mosquitoes, in particular thanks to the reports of citizens or with the help of traps. In order to avoid any complications, travelers returning from a risk area are invited to consult a doctor in case of symptoms linked to the virus, namely fever, joint pain or even rashes.
You should know that the tiger mosquito bite looks like that of a classic mosquito, but it is generally more painful, which can cause intense itching and local redness.