Infectious diseases transmitted by the tiger mosquito

Diseases transmitted by tiger mosquitoes

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can transmit several pathogens to humans in this way, such as dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses. These diseases are not currently endemic Persistent circulation of a disease or pathogen Micro-organism capable of causing disease. in a population or geographical area. in Belgium, but are sometimes carried by travellers. In some neighbouring countries, the tiger mosquito is already established and sporadic epidemics of dengue, chikungunya and zika fever occur regularly, so there are fears of local transmission in Belgium in the coming years. For local transmission to occur, the following circumstances are necessary:

  • The tiger mosquito is present and established in Belgium
  • A traveller returns to Belgium with the disease
  • The mosquito bites the traveller while he is still carrying the virus in his bloodstream
  • The infected mosquito bites another person likely to contract the disease